Bandits attack church in Kogi, kill one, abduct over 20
Story by Mercy Adaje
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have launched a deadly attack on a church in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one worshipper and abducting more than 20 others, including children and a pregnant woman.
The assailants, said to be over 50 in number, reportedly stormed the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri on Sunday, opening fire indiscriminately and causing panic among worshippers. One person was confirmed dead, while scores of others were forcefully taken away by the attackers.
The assault marks the second major attack on the community in recent times. Residents recalled that bandits had earlier invaded Aiyetoro Kiri, kidnapping about 50 people and looting a business centre, including carting away dozens of mobile phones. The repeated attacks have heightened fear in the area, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
In a related development, armed bandits also carried out simultaneous attacks in Oke-Agi and Ilai communities of Mopamuro Local Government Area, leaving several people dead, others injured, and more residents abducted.
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The coordinated assaults reportedly began around 4 a.m. and lasted for over an hour, with eyewitnesses saying the attackers struck two locations almost at the same time. Distress calls from the communities during the attacks were allegedly responded to late by security agencies.
One of the attacks occurred in the Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao and largely inhabited by members of the Tiv ethnic group, where casualties were recorded. Those injured were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for emergency treatment.
Another attack took place near Ilai Grammar School, less than one kilometre from Ilai town, where one person was killed and three others were abducted.
The violent incidents have plunged the affected communities into fear and uncertainty. Confirming the attacks, the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Bello, expressed serious concern over the delayed response of security operatives.
Traditional rulers and community leaders also lamented the lack of timely intervention, calling on the government and security agencies to take decisive action against the growing wave of banditry threatening lives and property in Mopamuro and surrounding areas.
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As of the time of filing this report, local officials were attending to injured victims at hospitals and coordinating support for affected families. Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Kogi State Police Command proved unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ayah, could not be reached.
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