Bandits who attacked the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA of Kogi State have demanded a N500 million ransom for the release of the abducted pastor and several worshippers.
Sources close to the family confirmed that the kidnappers contacted them after the violent raid carried out on Sunday morning, November 30, 2025.
The victims include the church pastor, popularly known as Orlando, and an unconfirmed number of worshippers taken during the service. SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Kogi State Government launched a combined aerial and ground security operation shortly after the attack. A helicopter and an anti-kidnapping squad were seen combing the area in a video posted by Egbe Emekun Parrot and credited to Olusegun Iselaiye.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the attack, describing it as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.” He said the government is working with security agencies to rescue all victims safely.
Fanwo suggested the attackers may have been in the area for days. He warned that residents must report suspicious movements, especially in border communities like Yagba West.
“Some villagers would have seen them and kept quiet,” he said. “If you refuse to raise alarms when you see strange faces at a time like this, who knows who will be victims of their madness?”
He also cautioned churches against holding services in isolated areas without security, saying the recent abduction in Kwara State shows the rising threat level.
Fanwo said both the state government and the Yagba West Local Government Area have been taking steps to curb criminal activities across the region. He urged residents to remain alert and provide intelligence that can help security agencies track the kidnappers.
Security forces are yet to confirm whether negotiation attempts have begun, but monitoring efforts have intensified around the surrounding forests and escape routes.