Terrorists suspected to be armed bandits have launched coordinated attacks on communities in Kabba/Bunu and Mopamuro Local Government Areas of Kogi State, killing several residents and abducting dozens, including church worshippers, women, and children.
The most disturbing incident occurred on Sunday morning at an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri, where over 50 armed men reportedly stormed the church during a worship service, firing gunshots indiscriminately. One worshipper was killed, while about 30 people, including pregnant women and children, were abducted.
Residents said the attack has thrown the community into panic, with many families fleeing their homes. This is the second major attack on Aiyetoro Kiri in recent weeks, following an earlier raid in which 50 residents were abducted and several mobile phones stolen from a charging centre.
Simultaneous Attacks in Mopamuro
In a related development, terrorists also attacked Oke-Agi, Jamroro settlement, and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area, operating for more than one hour before any distress response was made.
At Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao and largely populated by Tiv residents, two people were killed, while three others sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at a hospital.
Another attack occurred near Ilai Grammar School, less than one kilometre from Ilai town, where one person was killed and three residents abducted.
Local sources disclosed that the attackers struck the locations almost simultaneously, suggesting a well-coordinated operation.
Officials Confirm Attacks, Residents Decry Delayed Response
The attacks were confirmed by the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Bello, alongside traditional rulers and community leaders from the affected areas.
Residents expressed outrage over what they described as a delayed security response, noting that the attackers operated freely for over an hour before alerts were successfully raised.
The renewed violence has intensified fear across the Okun axis of Kogi State, with residents calling on the Federal and State Governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently deploy reinforced security measures to prevent further bloodshed.
As of the time of filing this report, local officials were said to be with injured victims at the hospital.
Efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, SP William Aya, were unsuccessful, as his phone lines were unreachable.
