CAC, RCCG Clergymen, Families Abducted in Night Attack on Kogi Community

Armed men suspected to be bandits invaded Odo-Eri community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday night, abducting residents including clergymen, their spouses, and children.

Residents said the attackers arrived around 10 p.m., firing shots to disperse the community before moving from house to house. The operation reportedly lasted several minutes, during which several people were taken away.

Accounts from the area indicate that a pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), another from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), their wives, children, and church aides were among those kidnapped. The total number of victims has not been confirmed.

A resident who spoke from the community said panic spread quickly after the gunfire began, forcing many families to abandon their homes overnight. By Thursday morning, parts of the community were deserted.

Preliminary information suggests the attackers left the area through Abewo Road, a route connecting Okunran and Okoloke communities toward the Kwara State border.

Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, described the attack as a setback to recent security efforts in the region. He called for an urgent response from security agencies to locate and rescue the abducted persons.

Karimi also appealed for calm, urging residents to support ongoing security operations by sharing credible information that could assist investigations.

He said the incident reflects continued pressure from armed groups operating in the area and expressed confidence that security forces would respond effectively.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command had not issued an official statement. Attempts to reach the police spokesperson were unsuccessful.