Bandits, in the early hours of yesterday, stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, located in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor, his wife, and several worshippers.
This incident came as another group of bandits attacked Yankamaye village, a border community in Tsanyanwa Local Government Area of Kano State, killing one woman and seizing three other women. Meanwhile, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, urged security agencies to intensify their pursuit of the criminals who have been troubling villages in Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs.
In a separate night raid, bandits invaded Chacho village in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where they kidnapped a bride, her bridesmaids, and other individuals preparing for a wedding scheduled for the next morning.
In Kwara State, the criminals holding the Ojibara of Bayagan in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, demanded N150 million for his release. Additionally, two of the six Ministry of Defence directors abducted in Kogi three weeks ago are still being held.
Kogi Church Attack Leaves Worshippers Terrified
The assault on the church happened during a service, causing panic as worshippers fled in all directions when the gunmen opened fire.
Residents said the community was thrown into confusion as people raced to avoid stray bullets or being captured. The pastor, popularly known as Orlando, was taken along with his wife and several congregants.
Witnesses described the ordeal as frightening, explaining that the attackers arrived unexpectedly and left many in distress. Police had not confirmed the number of abductees at the time of reporting.
Kogi Government Vows To Secure The Release Of Victims
The Kogi State government announced that it had intensified security operations, deploying both conventional and local security networks in pursuit of the attackers.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said the Yagba West Local Government authorities were working closely with security agencies to ensure the captives were rescued alive.
He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, advising worship centres in isolated areas to temporarily rethink holding services in crime-prone locations.
Woman Killed, Three Women Abducted In Kano Overnight Attack
In Kano State, bandits attacked Yankamaye village late Saturday night.
A reliable source said the gunmen arrived when villagers were asleep, killing an elderly woman and kidnapping three women.
Although the Kano State Police Command had not issued a statement at the time, Senator Barau Jibrin confirmed the incident on his Facebook page and urged security agencies to intensify their response.
He stated that criminals fleeing military operations in neighbouring states must not be allowed to destabilise Kano communities.
Bride, Bridesmaids And Others Kidnapped In Sokoto
In Sokoto State, bandits raided Chacho village in Wurno Local Government Area on Saturday night, abducting a bride, her bridesmaids, and several well-wishers.
The bride, who was preparing for her wedding scheduled for the following morning, was taken alongside women who had gathered for the celebrations. Residents said the attack occurred as households were settling down for the night.
Chacho, the hometown of the Sokoto State Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Shehu Alhaji Chacho, has experienced repeated attacks recently, heightening fear among locals.
The raid happened only hours after N4 million, and a motorcycle was reportedly paid to secure the release of earlier abductees in Rabah town, headquarters of Rabah LGA.
A resident said the attackers entered the community around midnight, firing shots and forcing families to flee. Attempts to reach the police spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ahmed Rufai, were unsuccessful.
The state chairman of the APC, Isah Achida, confirmed the abduction but noted that the exact number of victims was yet to be determined.
Residents say the attackers have not contacted the family of the bride or village leaders, leaving them anxious.
N150m Ransom Demand for Kidnapped Kwara Monarch
In Kwara State, the bandits who abducted the Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, demanded N150 million from the community for his release.
Sources said the monarch was instructed by the kidnappers to speak with his community, confirming he was alive and held in their custody. He reportedly recounted being taken deep into the forest on a motorcycle for more than five hours.
He also revealed that several other people from a neighbouring community had been kidnapped during the same raid.
Negotiations had not begun as the kidnappers only communicated their demand. The monarch was seized around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday after gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles invaded his farm.
Two Defence Directors Still In Captivity After 21 Days
Three weeks after six directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence were abducted on the Kabba–Lokoja highway on their way to Asaba for promotion examinations, two remain unaccounted for.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, expressed growing concern for their safety. Four of the abducted officials have been rescued and are currently undergoing medical evaluation.
Those still missing are Mrs. Emeribe C.A and Mrs. Onwuzurike J.A.
ASCSN reiterated its long-standing demand that the federal government decentralise promotion examinations and verification processes, noting that long-distance travel exposes civil servants to unnecessary security threats.
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