Bandits yesterday attacked a church in Ejiba Community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor, his wife and many worshipers. Daily Trust gathered that the incident occurred while the church service was going on.
The attack on the Cherubim and Seraphim Church came hours after the abduction of travellers along Isanlu-Makutu-Idofin road on Saturday in Yagba East Local Government of the state. Both attacks occurred in the same axis of the state.
Locals said the armed men laid siege on the road for hours, intercepting vehicles and abducting the occupants.
“The number of victims kidnapped along the Isanlu-Makutu-Idofin road on Saturday is not known. Daily Trust gathered that about three cars ran into the ambush and that all the occupants except one person who escaped, were taken into the bush.
“But news filtered into the community today that military men and local vigilantes tracked the hoodlums and engaged them in a gunfire, leading to the rescue of some victims,” Enimola Daramola, a resident in the community said.
Also, a report from the area on Sunday said another commercial vehicle was attacked along the Idofin Community.
“The driver of the vehicle and passengers narrowly escaped the attack. That route has become very dangerous,” said David Juwon, a resident of Isanlu Community.
The Kogi State Police Command’s spokesperson, CSP William Aya, confirmed the incident of Saturday, saying, a car was attacked while on transit in that axis of the state.
“Three people were attacked in a car while on transit between Idofin and Isanlu; one person by name, Raji Adesukami, escaped while two others were kidnapped.
“The Commissioner of Police has deployed a tactical team, comprising the Quick Response Unit, Anti-kidnapping, and PMF, to the area to ensure victims are rescued unhurt,” he said.
Also, a military source noted that troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, rescued five abducted victims in a coordinated operation around the Isanlu–Egbe area of Yagba East Local Government Area on 29th November, 2025.
According to the source, the operation followed two separate kidnap incidents.
“Upon receiving the reports, our troops immediately mobilised to both scenes, professionally engaging the kidnappers with superior firepower. The aggressive response forced the bandits to flee, abandoning all five victims who were rescued unharmed.
“The Brigade reiterates its commitment under the leadership of Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, to ensuring the security of lives and property across Kogi State. Troops remain vigilant and will continue to dominate the area with robust patrols to deny criminal elements any freedom of action,” a source said.
DAILY TRUST
