Gunmen Abduct RCCG, CAC Clerics, Families in Kogi Community Attack

Gunmen Abduct RCCG, CAC Clerics, Families in Kogi Community Attack

Tension remains high in Odo-Eri community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State following the abduction of clerics from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), alongside their family members and other residents, by suspected armed bandits.

Security agencies have confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing after the attack, which occurred on Wednesday night when heavily armed men invaded the community on motorcycles, firing sporadically to create panic before whisking away victims.

According to local sources and security briefings, the attackers—estimated to be about 30 in number—stormed the area around 10 p.m., targeting homes believed to house church leaders and other residents. Victims reportedly include pastors, their wives, children, and other community members caught in the raid.

Although the exact number of abducted persons is yet to be officially confirmed, community sources estimate that at least 20 people were taken during the coordinated attack. The gunmen were said to have escaped through Abewo Road, heading toward the Kwara State axis.

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The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that tactical teams have been deployed to the area to track the abductors and rescue the victims. A police spokesperson, Afusat Saliu, earlier told TVC News that operations had been intensified, assuring that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi State, Apostle Olaniyan Adebayo, said intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier warned of possible attacks in parts of the state, prompting churches to take precautionary measures.

According to him, “The DSS called me and asked me to call the churches in those places based on the intelligence report they had. We alerted all the churches on Wednesday and Thursday concerning it.”

Despite the warning, the attack still took place, raising concerns over the effectiveness of preventive security measures in vulnerable rural communities.

The leadership of RCCG has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while a senior church official said the matter had been escalated to appropriate authorities.

Security analysts say the latest abduction highlights the continuing threat of bandit attacks in North Central Nigeria, where rural communities remain vulnerable due to limited security presence and difficult terrain that aids attackers’ escape routes.

Residents of Odo-Eri and surrounding communities have been urged to remain vigilant as search-and-rescue operations continue across forested areas linking Kogi and Kwara States.

Gunmen Abduct RCCG, CAC Clerics, Families in Kogi Community Attack