Gunmen on Sunday attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba town, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor, his wife and some members of the congregation during a worship service.
The attack reportedly occurred in the morning while the church service was ongoing, throwing the community into panic as the assailants whisked their victims away to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said the state government has activated its security network to ensure the victims are rescued alive.
Fanwo said conventional security agencies working alongside local security operatives have intensified surveillance, patrols and intelligence gathering across the area to track down the gunmen.
He added that the Yagba West Local Government authorities are working closely with security agencies to coordinate the rescue efforts.
According to the commissioner, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is personally supervising the security operations and has directed that no effort should be spared in securing the release of the abducted victims.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security formation.
Fanwo also advised worship centres located in remote and crime prone areas to temporarily review their activities until the security situation improves.
