Security agencies ‘closing in’ on bandits behind Kogi church attacks – Commissioner
Kogi Government Says Security Forces Closing In on Bandits Behind Church Attacks in Yagba
The Kogi State Government has announced that security agencies are making significant progress in tracking down bandits responsible for recent attacks on churches in parts of the Yagba axis of the state, assuring residents that the perpetrators will soon be apprehended.
Gunmen suspected to be bandits had earlier invaded the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Yagba West Local Government Area, where dozens of worshippers were kidnapped during a church service, sparking widespread concern across the state.
In a similar incident last Sunday, armed assailants attacked the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, resulting in the abduction of several worshippers, including children, and the killing of one person during the attack.
Abducted Worshippers to Be Rescued Soon — Commissioner
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, expressed confidence that the abducted worshippers would soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify operations across the affected communities.
Fanwo disclosed that progress had already been recorded in the case of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church attack, noting that some victims had been rescued, while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“We are closing in on ensuring the release of those who were kidnapped. Some have been rescued, and the security agencies are closing in on the rest. Very soon, we believe Nigerians will hear good news,” he said.
Details of Aiyetoro Kiri Attack Clarified
The commissioner also confirmed the attack on Sunday at Aiyetoro Kiri in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area but clarified that 13 worshippers were abducted, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that more than 20 people were taken away by the attackers.
According to Fanwo, local hunters engaged by the state government put up stiff resistance during the attack, leading to a fierce gun battle between them and the bandits.
“Our local hunters, who serve as the first line of defence, resisted them strongly. In the exchange of fire, four bandits were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” he stated.
Joint Security Task Force Deployed
Fanwo revealed that the state governor immediately mobilised a joint security task force to the affected area to pursue the fleeing criminals and rescue the abducted victims.
- Nigerian Army – 12 Brigade
- Department of State Services (DSS)
- Nigeria Police Force
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Local hunters
“The bandits are currently being trailed in the forest by combined security forces. We are hopeful that, with the progress made overnight, the victims will be rescued in due course,” Fanwo added.
Why Churches Are Being Targeted
Addressing concerns about the pattern of attacks, Fanwo explained that the assaults were not religiously motivated but rather part of a strategy by bandits to exploit what they consider soft targets.
“Because of the robust security architecture we have put in place, their movements and logistics have been severely restricted. So they now target soft targets like churches, especially those located in forested or remote areas,” he said.
Border Pressure and Air Force Support
The commissioner noted that Kogi State shares borders with 10 states, including Niger, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that intensified military operations in neighbouring states were forcing bandits to migrate toward Kogi’s border communities.
He further disclosed that the state government had requested Nigerian Air Force support to conduct aerial bombardments of forests believed to be serving as hideouts for criminal gangs.
“If not for the robust security architecture, Kogi would have been in a mess by now. For every incident that happens, we have averted about 30 others through intelligence and proactive action,” Fanwo stated.
Four Killed Were Bandits, Not Worshippers
Fanwo also corrected reports claiming worshippers were killed during the latest attack, clarifying that the four people reportedly killed were bandits neutralised by local hunters during the gun battle.
“The four people mentioned in some reports were not worshippers. They were bandits gunned down during the gun battle,” he clarified.
Government Assures Residents of Safety
The commissioner assured residents that the Kogi State Government was working round the clock to protect lives and property, promising that major revelations regarding ongoing security operations would soon be made public.
“In the next 24 hours, there will be a revelation that will shake this country. We are closing in, and Nigerians will see the efforts of the governor in ensuring security in Kogi State,” Fanwo said.
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