Security Agencies Closing In On Kogi Church Attack Bandits

The Kogi State Government has announced that security agencies are making progress in their efforts to apprehend the bandits responsible for recent attacks on churches in the Yagba area of the state. The government expressed confidence that the abducted worshippers will be rescued soon, with some already freed.

In a statement on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, revealed that security operatives are closing in on the perpetrators of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church attack in Yagba, where dozens of worshippers were kidnapped. Fanwo said some of the kidnapped worshippers have been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of others.

“We are closing in on ensuring the release of those who were kidnapped. Some have been rescued, and the security agencies are closing in on the rest. Very soon, we believe Nigerians will hear good news,” Fanwo said.

The government also confirmed a fresh attack on Sunday at Aiyetoro Kiri in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, where bandits stormed a church service, abducting 13 worshippers, contrary to reports suggesting 20 people were kidnapped. Fanwo said local hunters engaged by the state government put up strong resistance during the attack, leading to a fierce gun battle with the assailants.

“Our local hunters, who serve as the first line of defence, resisted them strongly. In the exchange of fire, four bandits were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.

The state governor has mobilised a joint security task force comprising the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, the Department of State Services, the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local hunters to the affected area.