At least four people have been killed and several others abducted following separate terrorist attacks on a church and multiple communities across parts of Kogi State, sparking renewed fear among residents and calls for urgent security intervention.

The incidents occurred on Sunday in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, and in Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area of the state, where terrorists targeted worshippers and residents, killing four persons in total and abducting no fewer than 20 people.

In Ayetoro-Kiri, terrorists attacked the First ECWA Church during a service, killing one worshipper, simply identified as Jayjay, and abducting at least 20 others. Local authorities and security operatives said they are still assessing the situation, noting that the number of abducted persons “may even be more than 20.”

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Zaccheus Dare Micheal, blamed the church for holding service despite security concerns in the area and subsequently ordered the closure of all markets within the locality.

On the same day, residents of Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area also came under attack, with the terrorists reportedly striking both communities at about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday. The assault left three people dead, several others injured, and an undisclosed number of residents abducted.

Community sources said the attackers operated for several hours before distress calls were eventually received. In Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao and largely inhabited by Tiv people, two persons were confirmed killed, while three others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

In Ilai, a Bassa community near the Community Grammar School, one person was reportedly killed during the raid, while three others were kidnapped by the attackers. The incidents in both communities were confirmed by the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Bello, alongside traditional rulers and community leaders.

Residents expressed deep concern over what they described as a delayed security response, noting that the assailants “operated freely for over an hour before help was alerted.”

The attacks have revived memories of a similar incident on November 30, when terrorists invaded the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, abducting scores of worshippers during a service.

As fear spreads across Yagba Federal Constituency, residents are urging security agencies and government authorities to urgently take decisive action to halt the growing wave of violence in the area. “The attack started in neighbouring communities bordering Kwara State but has now graduated downward. No local government areas in Yagbaland are safe, from Ejiba in Yagba West to Orunda-Ile in Yagba East and now the communities of Mopamuro,” said Mr Ope Owoyemi. (Arise News)

Update news