Coordinated Bandit Attacks in Kogi Leave Worshipper Dead, 20 Others Kidnapped

Coordinated Bandit Attacks in Kogi Leave Worshipper Dead, 20 Others Kidnapped

Armed gunmen on Sunday launched coordinated attacks in Kogi State, targeting the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, as well as the Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area, leaving multiple victims dead and scores abducted.

At the ECWA church, one worshipper, identified as Jayjay, was killed, while at least 20 others were abducted, though authorities warn the number may rise. The Kabba/Bunu council chairman, Zaccheus Dare Micheal, blamed the church for holding services in a tense area and ordered the closure of all local markets.

Simultaneously, in Mopamuro LGA, the Oke-Agi and Ilai communities experienced brutal raids around 4:00 a.m., leaving three people dead, multiple injured, and several residents abducted. In the Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao and predominantly inhabited by Tiv people, two were confirmed killed, and three sustained injuries. At Ilai, a Bassa community, one person was killed, and three others were kidnapped near the Community Grammar School.

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The attacks were confirmed by Hon. Ademola Bello, Chairman of Mopamuro LGA, alongside traditional authorities and local leaders. Residents expressed concern over the delayed security response, noting that attackers operated freely for over an hour before help arrived.

This wave of violence follows a November 30 attack on the Cherubim and Seraphim church in Ejiba, where dozens were abducted. Local observers fear escalating insecurity across Yagba Federal Constituency, urging authorities to take decisive action.

“The attacks have expanded from communities bordering Kwara State to areas including Ejiba, Orunda-Ile, and now Mopamuro. No local government areas in Yagbaland are safe,” said resident Mr. Ope Owoyemi.

Coordinated Bandit Attacks in Kogi Leave Worshipper Dead, 20 Others Kidnapped