Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A harrowing abduction has shaken Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, after armed bandits kidnapped 14 worshippers, including the presiding pastor of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, popularly known as Orlando, and six of his children. According to local reports, the kidnappers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the families, demanding a ransom of ₦200 million for the safe release of the victims.
Eyewitnesses recount that the attack occurred during a routine church service, with the assailants reportedly arriving in vehicles and swiftly overwhelming congregants. The operation, described by residents as “organized and ruthless,” left the community in shock and fear, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing religious institutions in parts of Kogi State.
Authorities and community leaders have confirmed that the victims include adults and children, many of whom are part of the pastor’s immediate household. The inclusion of six children among the kidnapped has intensified concerns and urgency surrounding rescue efforts, as families plead for immediate intervention to ensure their safety.
The bandits reportedly gave the victims’ families a two-day deadline, setting the ransom demand at ₦200 million. Residents expressed alarm over the scale of the demand, warning that delays in negotiation or response could escalate the danger to those in captivity. Local security operatives are said to be coordinating with state authorities to track and locate the kidnappers, though details of any rescue efforts remain limited.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a growing security menace across several Nigerian states, with churches, schools, and communities increasingly targeted. Analysts suggest that incidents like the one in Ejiba reflect both the operational sophistication of criminal networks and the urgent need for strengthened preventive security measures. Families of abducted persons often face difficult decisions under extreme pressure, balancing negotiations with law enforcement efforts to secure the safe release of loved ones.
Community leaders and religious organizations have condemned the attack, calling on state and federal authorities to intensify efforts to combat banditry and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children. The trauma experienced by the pastor’s family and church members underscores the broader human cost of insecurity, affecting not only the immediate victims but the social cohesion of the entire community.
As the 48-hour deadline approaches, the focus remains on coordinated action by security agencies, support for the affected families, and broader strategies to address the persistent threats posed by bandits in the region. The situation in Ejiba serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of ensuring safety for religious congregations and communities across Kogi State and beyond.
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