Gunmen, believed to be bandits, attacked the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Sunday, resulting in one death and the abduction of over 20 worshippers, including children. The attackers, reportedly more than 50 in number, shot indiscriminately during the assault.
This incident is the second attack in the community within a short period, as residents had previously faced a similar onslaught, leading to the abduction of 50 individuals and theft of items from a local business center. Fear has gripped the area, causing many residents to relocate.
Simultaneous attacks were also reported in the Oke-Agi and Ilai communities within the Mopamuro Local Government Area, leading to several injuries, fatalities, and additional abductions. Eyewitnesses indicated that the assaults commenced around 4 a.m., with distress calls to security forces receiving delayed responses.
The violence has prompted local officials, like Hon. Ademola Bello, Chairman of Mopamuro LGA, to voice concerns over the inadequacy of security measures and the delayed response to the crisis. Traditional leaders in the region have echoed these sentiments, urging decisive actions to address the escalating banditry threatening community safety.
As of now, local authorities are attending to the injured at a hospital, while attempts to secure an official statement from the Kogi State Police Command have been unsuccessful.
