A pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel) has reportedly been abducted by suspected armed bandits in Okoro Gbedde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The cleric was said to have been kidnapped on Saturday while heading to his farm along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde axis, sparking tension in the community.
According to eyewitnesses, the pastor was travelling on a motorcycle with a commercial rider when they suddenly ran into the armed men. In the confusion that followed, the pastor reportedly jumped off the motorcycle.
The commercial rider, however, managed to escape unhurt, while the pastor was seized by the gunmen and taken to an unknown location.
As at the time of filing this report, the abductors have not contacted the victim’s family or church authorities, and no ransom demand has been made.
Fear Grips Community
The incident has heightened fear among residents of Okoro Gbedde and neighbouring communities, who lamented worsening insecurity and frequent attacks along rural routes.
Many locals said persistent incidents of kidnapping have made farming and daily movement increasingly dangerous.
Fresh Attacks Along Ogbe–Egbe Axis
The abduction comes just days after another attack along the Ogbe–Egbe axis of the state, during which one person was shot and five others abducted by suspected bandits.
The victims were reportedly travelling to Egbe to attend a wedding ceremony when they were ambushed. The injured victim was rushed to hospital, while the abducted persons were taken into the bush.
Residents have since called on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to intensify patrols and restore safety on the affected routes, expressing concern over what they described as deteriorating security in rural communities across the state.