Armed bandits have attacked the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor and several worshippers during a Sunday service.
The pastor, popularly known as Orlando, was taken alongside his wife and other members after gunmen stormed the church mid-service.
The worshippers reportedly fled in panic as gunshots echoed through the community.
Sources said the exact number of abducted persons was still unclear as of Sunday evening, as many residents were still trying to locate missing relatives.
Confirming the development, the Kogi State Government said security agencies had been deployed to track the attackers and secure the release of the victims.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said the government was “working closely with local security formations to ensure the safe return of those taken.”
He assured residents that the attackers would be pursued and brought to justice, adding that the state government remained committed to strengthening security across communities.
The incident adds to rising concerns over renewed bandit attacks in parts of Kogi and neighbouring states.