Armed gunmen on Sunday attacked the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one worshipper and abducting at least 20 others.
The victim, identified simply as Jayjay, was reportedly shot dead during the assault on the church. Local authorities and security operatives said assessments were ongoing, noting that the number of abducted persons could be higher than initially reported.
The chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Zaccheus Dare Micheal, blamed the church for holding a service in what he described as a tense environment and subsequently ordered the closure of all markets in the area.
In a related development, gunmen also carried out coordinated attacks on Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area of the state on the same day, killing three persons and abducting several others.
The attacks reportedly occurred simultaneously at about 4:00 a.m., with the assailants operating for hours before distress calls were eventually received.
At Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao and largely inhabited by Tiv people, two persons were confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
In Ilai, a Bassa community near the Community Grammar School, one person was reportedly killed, while three others were abducted during the raid.
The incidents were confirmed by the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Bello, alongside traditional rulers and community leaders.
Residents and community sources expressed concern over the delayed response to the attacks, alleging that the gunmen operated freely for more than an hour before security agencies were alerted.
The latest incidents come weeks after gunmen attacked the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba on 30 November, abducting several worshippers.
The renewed violence has heightened fear across Yagba Federal Constituency, with residents calling for urgent and decisive intervention by security agencies and government authorities.
“The attack started in neighbouring communities bordering Kwara State but has now graduated downward. No local government areas in Yagbaland are safe, from Ejiba in Yagba West to Orunda-Ile in Yagba East and now the communities of Mopamuro,” said Mr Ope Owoyemi.
