Suspected bandits have attacked a church in Kogi State and kidnapped many worshippers.
The incident happened on Sunday at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri, located in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
According to reports, more than 50 armed men stormed the church during the attack.
During the invasion, the gunmen reportedly opened fire, killing one person, abducting over 20 worshippers, including women and children, before fleeing the area.
This is not the first time Aiyetoro Kiri has come under attack.
Not long ago, bandits invaded the same community, kidnapped about 50 people, and stole many mobile phones from a business centre.
These repeated attacks have caused panic, forcing some residents to leave the community for safety.
Fear has also spread to Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area, where armed bandits carried out coordinated attacks.
The assaults reportedly began around 4 a.m. and lasted for more than an hour, leaving several people dead, many others injured, and some residents abducted.
Witnesses said the attackers struck two locations almost at the same time.
They added that calls for help made during the attacks were answered late by security agencies.
One of the attacks occurred at Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao, an area largely populated by Tiv people.
The violence there reportedly led to deaths and injuries, with the wounded taken to a hospital for treatment.
Another attack took place near Ilai Grammar School, less than one kilometre from Ilai town. In that incident, one person was killed and three others were kidnapped.
The attacks have left residents shaken and fearful, as they struggle to cope with the destruction.
The Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon. Ademola Bello, confirmed the incidents and expressed concern over the slow response to distress calls.
Traditional rulers and community leaders also complained about the delay in security intervention, calling on authorities to act quickly to stop the growing bandit threat in Mopamuro and nearby areas.
At the time of filing this report, local officials were visiting injured victims in the hospital and offering support.
Efforts to get a response from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ayah, could not be reached.
KanyiDaily recalls that gunmen recently attacked St. Andrews Anglican Church in Anambra State, killing two people and setting several properties on fire, including vehicles and the priest’s residence.
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