Bandits
By Abdullahi Abubakar
In the second time in less than two months bandits have invaded another Kogi State based church.
This time, the terrorists attacked attacked a branch of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Àaaaz-Kiri community, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
While the operation lasted, one person was killed while an unspecified number of parishioners were abducted.
Report from the area noted that the suspected bandits shot sporadically to scare the inhabitants away on entering the town in the morning.
In the melee that followed, the gunmen reportedly shot their way towards the church in the village that was holding service.
“It’s not clear how many were killed yet. The parishioners were holding Sunday service , when the assailants struck.”
“So far, one person has been confirmed dead; many families have reported cases of missing relatives, or close ones as many of them were abducted by the invading gunmen”, said a resident who craved anonymity.
In a coordinated attack, the hoodlums reportedly invaded Illai and Okeagi , settlements in Mopa Muro local government around 4am.
It was noted that the bandits struck two locations almost simultaneously, operating for more than an hour in the communities before distress calls could reach the authorities for actions .
Locals said they first attacked Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-agi and Takete Isao, killing two persons.
Another group reportedly attack a settlement near Ilai Grammar school, killing one person, and abducting three persons.
Jamroro is said to be largely inhabited by Tiv farmers while the settlement near Ilai is said to be occupied by Bassa people who relocated there for farming activities.
In a swift reaction, Senator Sunday Karimi condemned the spate of attacks, calling for urgent intervention.
In a statement, the Senator expressed concern over reports of killing and kidnapping of an unspecified number of worshipers at ECWA Church in Àaaaz-Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area in the early hour of today 14th December, 2025.
“Today similar incidents have occurred in Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where people were kidnapped and killed in one of the Tiv communities in the area”.
The senator further added that many of his constituents fled the community when the bandits returned in a coordinated attack on Sunday.
He described the prolonged insecurity situation in the area as worrisome, calling for concerted efforts to root out the bandits.
“The worsening security situation in the entire district calls for urgent intervention, from both federal and state governments, as well as all stakeholders, to tackle the issue head-on, and rescue the people from the bandits’ attack”, he said.
While the senator recalled that the worshipers kidnapped at the Cherubim and Seraphim church in Yagba East local government area two weeks ago have not been released, he said communities in his district are now living in fear of incessant bandits’ attacks and kidnappings.
Similarly, the state commissioner of Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo sympathized with the people of Illai and Okeagi over the attack.
He said: “Our thoughts are with the people of Illai and Okeagi at this trying moment.
“I am aware that efforts are ongoing to restore security to the area. I have also spoken with the Council Chairman of Mopamuro and other people concerned.
We will triumph by the grace of God”.
