Fear Grips Kogi Community After Gunmen Abduct Pastor Others

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Residents of Okoro Gbedde, in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, are living in fear following the abduction of a pastor by suspected armed bandits. The cleric, affiliated with Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while travelling to his farm along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde road.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the pastor was riding a commercial motorcycle when the attackers suddenly appeared along the route, triggering panic among nearby villagers. The pastor reportedly jumped off the motorcycle in an attempt to escape, while the commercial rider managed to flee unharmed. Unfortunately, the pastor was seized and taken to an undisclosed location.

As of the latest reports, the abductors have not contacted the pastor’s family or church officials, and no ransom demand has been issued. This incident has intensified anxiety among residents, who note that insecurity along rural roads has worsened in recent months, making daily farming and travel increasingly perilous.

This event adds to a growing pattern of attacks targeting residents and church members in Kogi State. Only a few days prior, an ambush occurred along the Ogbe–Egbe axis, leaving one person injured and five others kidnapped while travelling to a wedding ceremony. Witnesses reported that the attackers opened fire at the boundary between Ogbe and Koro communities.

“One person sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to the hospital, while five others were taken into the bush by the assailants,” a local resident disclosed. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially confirmed.

The repeated incidents have sparked alarm among communities along the Ogbe–Egbe route and surrounding areas. Residents have voiced concerns over the deteriorating security situation, emphasizing the dangers of travelling along these rural roads, particularly for social events and routine commutes.

Community members are now urging the Kogi State Government and security agencies to intensify patrols and deploy additional measures to curb banditry, restore safety, and reassure the public.