The Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Unification Church of Nigeria, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, has strongly condemned the abduction of church members during a service in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. Gunmen invaded the church on November 30, 2025, and kidnapped several worshippers in an attack that has left the community in fear and deep distress.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the church’s spokesperson, Omololu Olubode, Alogbo described the attack as “troubling” and “a dangerous sign for freedom of worship in Nigeria.” He called on Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, to take immediate and decisive action to secure the safe return of all those abducted.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen stormed the church in the middle of a service, shooting into the air and forcing worshippers to lie on the floor before whisking several people away. The attack lasted only a few minutes, but its impact has shaken the entire community.
Days after the incident, the victims remain in captivity, and families are growing increasingly anxious about their safety. No group has yet claimed responsibility, and security agencies have not released details about ongoing rescue operations.
The abduction is one of several violent attacks reported in Kogi State in recent months, raising concerns about rising insecurity in the central region. In many rural communities, residents say they live in fear of bandits, kidnappers and armed groups who operate with little resistance.
In his statement, Alogbo said the incident reflects the worsening security situation in Kogi and neighbouring states. He described the attackers as “gun-wielding, daredevil terrorists” and said their actions were a direct attack on the freedom of worship guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
He noted that places meant for spiritual comfort and peace are now becoming “hunting grounds” for criminals who target innocent worshippers without fear. According to him, such attacks show that some groups may be deliberately trying to silence or intimidate religious communities.
“The thought of places of worship being turned into hunting grounds by terrorists is a negative reflection of the security situation in Kogi State and its environs,” the cleric warned.
Kogi State, located in the North-Central region, has witnessed several kidnapping incidents over the past few years. While some parts of the state remain peaceful, many communities—especially in Yagba West, Okene, and Lokoja—have seen increased activities by bandits and criminal groups. These attacks include highway kidnappings, raids on homes, assaults on travellers, and invasions of worship centres.
Nigeria has battled widespread insecurity for over a decade, beginning with Boko Haram attacks in the North-East and later expanding into banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes across the country. In many rural areas, inadequate policing and poor road networks give criminals room to operate.
The abduction in Ejiba adds to these national concerns and increases pressure on local and federal authorities to respond effectively.
Prophet Alogbo acknowledged recent efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to curb banditry and kidnapping. Over the past year, the military and police have launched multiple operations aimed at flushing out criminal groups from forests and border communities in Kogi and neighbouring states.
However, the cleric stressed that these efforts must be intensified and better coordinated to protect citizens. He said Governor Ododo must take the Ejiba abduction seriously and mobilise all available security resources to ensure the victims return home safely.
“The lives of the worshippers depend on the speed and seriousness with which his administration responds,” he said.
He also urged the state government not to allow criminals to create fear in communities where people gather for worship. According to him, churches, mosques and other religious centres should be places of safety, not targets of violence.
In addition to calling on government officials, Alogbo appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to support efforts aimed at ending attacks on religious centres.
He noted that the problem of kidnapping and terrorism has grown beyond the capacity of any single community or church to handle. According to him, a united front—one that includes citizens, civil society organisations, religious groups, and international partners—is necessary to bring lasting peace.
He pointed out that the kidnapping of worshippers is not just a criminal issue but also a threat to national unity, religious harmony, and social stability.
Residents of Ejiba say the attack has left many people traumatised. Some worshippers have stayed away from church services since the incident, fearing another attack. Community leaders say attendance at night services and prayer meetings has dropped sharply.
Local farmers also report that they now avoid going early to their farms or returning late, worried that they may be ambushed by armed groups. Others say they sleep with fear, unsure when the next attack might occur.
Families of the abducted victims continue to gather daily for prayers, hoping for good news. They say they feel helpless as they wait for security agencies to rescue their loved ones.
Governor Usman Ododo, who took office in January 2024, has promised in the past to strengthen security across the state. But after the Ejiba abduction, many residents now expect stronger action and visible results.
Prophet Alogbo ended his statement by urging Nigerians not to lose hope but to remain alert and prayerful. He said the church stands with the families of the abducted and will continue to demand justice and safety for all worshippers nationwide.
He highlighted those religious spaces must be protected at all costs because they play an important role in Nigeria’s social and spiritual life.
