Gunmen on Sunday stormed a church in Kogi State, abducting a pastor, his wife, and several worshippers in a violent attack that threw the community into panic.
The incident occurred at the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, while the congregation was gathered for Sunday service.
Witnesses said the armed men surrounded the church and opened fire, forcing worshippers to flee in different directions.
The pastor, popularly known as Orlando, was reportedly seized along with his wife and other church members.
The exact number of abducted persons remains unclear.
Residents described the attack as sudden and frightening, noting that the gunmen arrived without warning and left the community shaken.
The Kogi State Government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said security agencies had launched a manhunt for the assailants and were working to rescue the victims.
“The Yagba West Local Government authorities are collaborating with security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The perpetrators already know that Kogi will do everything possible to protect its citizens,” Fanwo said.
He added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is directly coordinating operations and assured that updates would be provided as efforts progress.
