Kogi government warns churches to stop vigils or face sanctions amid rising kidnapping, bandit attacks

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kogi State Government has directed churches across the state to suspend night services with immediate effect, following intelligence reports of planned attacks on worship centres.

The directive was announced in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo. He disclosed that security agencies intercepted communications among suspected bandits who were plotting to strike a church in Ijumu Local Government Area.

According to the commissioner, the attackers singled out a church that allegedly continued to conduct late-night services despite repeated security warnings.

Fanwo said the criminals were overheard bragging that they would make “a lot of money” through the abduction of worshippers for ransom during a service.

He explained that security agencies have already launched coordinated operations to frustrate the planned attack. He, however, stressed the need for strict adherence to government security directives.

“We have observed with deep concern that despite clear security advisories, some churches still operate late into the night. This is unacceptable in the face of prevailing security challenges,” Fanwo said.

He restated that no church is allowed to hold services beyond 4pm. He also advised that churches located in remote or bushy areas should relocate to safer locations to safeguard congregants.

The commissioner warned that any church that violates the order would face sanctions. He described disobedience as dangerous and irresponsible.

“This decision is not targeted at faith or worship. It is a safety-first approach designed to protect lives. Any church that deliberately disregards this protocol constitutes a security risk to its members,” he said.

Fanwo also directed security personnel to ensure that pastors comply fully with the order. He noted that the government would focus more on preventing attacks than responding after abductions occur.

“Our intention is to prevent crime, not to begin running helter-skelter to secure the release of kidnapped victims,” the Commissioner added.

The state government dismissed claims that the directive reflects weakness. Authorities insisted that they remain resolute in tackling criminal groups operating within the state.

The warning follows a series of attacks on worship centres in Kogi State.

In December 2025, gunmen abducted no fewer than 20 worshippers during a Sunday service at the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

Sources said the assailants invaded the church during worship and fired shots sporadically, which caused panic. Several congregants escaped, while others were taken away through nearby bush paths.

Residents said the incident threw the community into confusion and fear.

Reports also indicated that one person identified as JayJay lost his life during the attack, while several others were abducted.

The incident was the second assault on a church in Okun land within a short period.

Earlier, on November 30, 2025, armed men attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area. The attackers abducted the cleric, identified as Orlando, alongside about 13 worshippers.

The gunmen initially demanded ₦500 million ransom. The amount was later reduced to ₦200 million. They issued a two-day ultimatum and threatened unspecified “consequences” if the demand was not met.