A fresh wave of insecurity hit Kogi State on Sunday after bandits stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA, abducting the pastor, his wife, and several worshippers in the middle of service.
The incident occurred barely hours after another group of travellers was kidnapped along the Isanlu–Makutu–Idofin axis in neighbouring Yagba East.
Local residents said the attackers mounted a blockade on the road for several hours, intercepting vehicles and herding occupants into the bush.
One resident, Enimola Daramola, said at least three vehicles ran into the ambush, with only one occupant managing to escape. Security forces and vigilantes later engaged the abductors, rescuing an unspecified number of victims.
Reports on Sunday also indicated an attempted attack on another commercial vehicle around Idofin, although the driver and passengers narrowly escaped.
Police spokesperson William Aya confirmed that three people were attacked on Saturday, with two abducted and one escaping.
He said the Commissioner of Police had deployed special units, including the Quick Response Team and Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to the area.
A military source added that troops from the 12 Brigade rescued five victims on November 29 after a coordinated operation, reiterating their commitment to restoring security across the region.
