Armed bandits have abducted a pastor of the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, in Okoro Gbedde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred on Saturday, December 27, 2025, while the pastor was on his way to his farm. Eyewitnesses said he was riding on a motorcycle along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde axis with a commercial rider when they were intercepted by the assailants.
Sources disclosed that the pastor jumped off the motorcycle upon sighting the attackers. The commercial rider reportedly escaped unhurt, while the pastor was seized and taken to an unknown location.
As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers had not contacted the pastor’s family or the church, and no ransom demand had been made.
In a separate incident, bandits also invaded Odo-Ere in Yagba West Local Government Area on Sunday evening, December 28, 2025, abducting four residents. The victims were identified as Engr. Shina Ajere, Mr. Kehinde Afolabi, Damiola Ogun, and a woman popularly known as Iya Lara.
Community sources said the situation remains tense, with fears that more residents may have been kidnapped as efforts continue to account for missing persons. Gunshots were reportedly heard in parts of the town during the attack, forcing residents to remain indoors.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incidents.
