Bandits Attack Kogi Church, Abduct Worshippers, Residents
Bandits have attacked a branch of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Àaaaz-Kiri community, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one person and abducting a number of worshipers.
“It’s not clear how many were killed yet. The parishioners were holding Sunday service , when the assailants struck.”
“So far , one person has been confirmed dead; many families are reporting of missing relatives, or close ones as many of them were abducted by the invading gunmen”, said a resident, who craved anonymity.
Meanwhile, gunmen in a coordinated attack invaded Illai and Okeagi in Mopa Muro local government area of the state at about 4am, killing three persons.
It was reported that the bandits attacked two locations almost simultaneously for more than an hour before distress calls could reach the authorities for action.
Locals said the hoodlums first attacked Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-agi and Takete Isao, killing two persons while another group attacked a settlement near Ilai Grammar school, killing one person, and abducting three persons.
The Senator representing the area, Sunday Karimi, has condemned the attacks and called for urgent intervention.
He described the security situation in the area as worrisome, calling for concerted efforts to root out the bandits.
“The worsening security situation in the entire district calls for urgent intervention from both federal and state governments, as well as all stakeholders, to tackle the issue head-on, and rescue the people from the bandits’ attack”, he said .
He recalled that two weeks ago, worshipers were kidnapped at the Cherubim and Seraphim church in Yagba East local government area, adding that communities are now living in fear.
The Kogi State Government has sympathised with the victims.
The state Commissioner of Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the area.
“I am aware that efforts are ongoing to restore security to the area. I have also spoken with the Council Chairman of Mopamuro and other people concerned. We will triumph by the grace of God”.
