Gunmen Abduct Three Pastors in Kogi After Crusade, Demand N20 Million Ransom

Three pastors have been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The attack occurred late Monday night as the clergymen returned from a crusade in the area.

The victims were ambushed along the Ejule-Ofakaga-Anyigba Road around 11 pm on January 20, 2025. Among those kidnapped is Evangelist Gabriel Onaji, who was a guest minister at the “Ejule Gospel Crusade,” a three-day revival organized by Evangelist Sunday Oguche, president of God’s Care Missions, Okpo.

Sources say the gunmen may have been targeting Oguche himself. “The evangelist would have been kidnapped if he had not decided to spend the night in Anyigba instead of Ejule,” a source revealed.

Their vehicle was later discovered abandoned in Ofakaga village, raising further concerns about their safety. The kidnappers have since reached out, demanding a ransom of N20 million for their release, according to Ayefu John, a local resident who attended the crusade and knows one of the victims.

When contacted, Kogi State Police Command spokesperson Williams Aya stated that he was not yet aware of the incident but promised to follow up with the division for more details.