The Kogi State government has issued a cautionary directive to worship centers, particularly those located in remote and “crime-prone” areas, urging them to reconsider holding services until security conditions improve. This warning follows a violent attack on Sunday, when armed assailants invaded a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, during an early morning service. According to updates from the Kogi State Government, the advisory is part of a broader effort to prevent further tragedies.

During the attack, the gunmen abducted the church’s pastor, his wife, and several congregants, sending waves of fear across the community. Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi Commissioner for Information, condemned the assault and emphasized the need for heightened vigilance. He urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to nearby security agencies, reinforcing the message: “When you see something, say something.” This aligns with ongoing public-safety campaigns documented by Nigeria Police Force authorities.

Commissioner Fanwo also confirmed that a robust security network—combining conventional law-enforcement units and local vigilance groups—is actively working to secure the victims’ release. “We have no figures yet as we await security agencies to carry out their findings and report back to the public,” he said. He further advised religious organizations in isolated locations to suspend gatherings temporarily, urging worship centers “in the outskirts” to avoid crime-risk areas until conditions stabilize.

This attack is part of a troubling pattern of insecurity targeting worship centers in and around the region. A similar incident took place on November 18 when armed bandits raided the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Oke Isegun in the Eruku community—a border town between Kogi and Kwara. Several worshippers were abducted in that attack; however, President Bola Tinubu later confirmed that all victims had been rescued. Details of the earlier rescue were shared in national security briefings reported by The Presidency. Security agencies in Kogi have assured that intense operations are underway to track the Ejiba attackers and ensure the safe return of all abductees.