The Kogi kidnapping wave intensifies as armed bandits abduct a Winners Chapel pastor and four residents, spreading fear across Okoro Gbedde and Odo-Ere communities.
Security concerns in Kogi State have escalated once again following a series of coordinated attacks by armed bandits that led to the abduction of a church pastor and several residents in different parts of the state.
The latest Kogi kidnapping incidents, which occurred in Ijumu and Yagba West Local Government Areas, have deepened fear among rural communities already struggling with rising insecurity.
One of the victims is a pastor of the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, who was kidnapped in Okoro Gbedde, a town in Ijumu Local Government Area.
The abduction reportedly took place on Saturday, December 27, 2025, while the cleric was traveling to his farm, a routine activity he was known for within the community.
According to eyewitness accounts, the pastor was riding on a commercial motorcycle along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde axis when armed men suddenly emerged from the surrounding bushes.
The unexpected appearance of the attackers reportedly caused panic, prompting the pastor to jump off the motorcycle in an attempt to flee.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the commercial motorcyclist managed to escape unharmed by speeding away from the scene.
However, the pastor was not as fortunate, as the armed men quickly overpowered him and whisked him away to an unknown location.
The incident has since heightened anxiety among residents, who fear that farmland routes have now become targets for criminal activity.
As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers had not reached out to the pastor’s family, church authorities, or community leaders. No ransom demand had been communicated, leaving loved ones in distress and uncertainty.
Community members say the silence from the abductors has further worsened fears surrounding the Kogi kidnapping trend, as prolonged captivity often signals dangerous outcomes.
Barely 24 hours after the Okoro Gbedde incident, another attack occurred in Odo-Ere, a town in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Armed bandits reportedly invaded the community on Sunday evening, December 28, 2025, in what residents described as a terrifying operation that lasted several minutes.
During the Odo-Ere attack, at least four residents were abducted. They were identified as Engineer Shina Ajere, Mr. Kehinde Afolabi, Damiola Ogun, and a woman popularly known in the community as Iya Lara.
Locals said the victims were seized from different locations, suggesting that the attackers had a coordinated plan and knowledge of the area.
Eyewitnesses recounted that sporadic gunshots were heard across several parts of Odo-Ere, forcing residents to shut their doors and remain indoors.
The sound of gunfire reportedly created confusion and panic, as families struggled to account for the whereabouts of their loved ones. Many residents said the atmosphere that night was one of fear and helplessness.
Community sources have also raised concerns that the number of victims may be higher than initially reported.
As families continue to search for missing relatives, fears persist that more people may have been taken during the chaos.
This uncertainty has further amplified worries about armed bandits in Kogi, particularly in remote and semi-urban communities.
Local leaders and residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as inadequate security presence in vulnerable areas.
Some community members argue that repeated Kogi kidnapping cases point to the need for improved surveillance, stronger intelligence gathering, and quicker response from security agencies.
Despite the severity of the incidents, security agencies had not released an official statement as of the time this report was compiled.
Residents say the lack of timely communication has fueled speculation and anxiety, especially as communities attempt to understand the scale of the threat and the safety of those abducted.
Religious leaders and civil society groups have also called for calm while urging authorities to act swiftly.
They emphasize that the abduction of a Winners Chapel pastor and other civilians underscores the growing boldness of criminal groups operating within the state.
As Kogi State grapples with these fresh security challenges, residents are increasingly cautious about daily routines, particularly travel to farms and evening movements.
The latest Kogi kidnapping episodes serve as a stark reminder of the fragile security situation and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect lives and restore confidence in affected communities.
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