Kogi, December 28, 2025 – SUNTV Global Channel
Tension and fear have gripped communities in Kogi State after a pastor of the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, was kidnapped by armed bandits while traveling to his farm on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses reported that the pastor was riding a motorcycle along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde axis in Ijumu Local Government Area, accompanied by a commercial rider, when they were suddenly confronted by the assailants. In a desperate attempt to escape, the pastor reportedly jumped off the motorcycle. While the commercial rider managed to flee unharmed, the pastor was forcibly taken to an unknown location.
As of this report, the kidnappers have not made contact with the pastor’s family or church authorities, and no ransom demand has yet been communicated.
The abduction has sparked widespread fear among residents of Okoro Gbedde and neighboring communities, further intensifying concerns over security in the region.
This incident follows a similar violent attack in nearby Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed the First ECWA Church and the Apostolic Church in Aiyetoro Kiri on December 14, 2025. In that attack, at least 37 worshippers—including children and elderly individuals—were kidnapped, with the gunmen later demanding a ransom of N600 million.
Community sources revealed that the attackers surrounded the community and specifically targeted worshippers during church services, taking advantage of the peaceful gathering. The violence resulted in the death of a seminary graduate, Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, known as JJ, while several others sustained injuries. Among the kidnapped were over 12 children aged 3–8 years and more than 10 elderly individuals aged over 70.
Residents say the bandits operated with impunity for hours, even forcing some captives to return home to collect ransom money before being taken away.
Security officials have yet to issue a statement on the recent kidnapping of the Living Faith Church pastor, leaving locals anxious as fears over escalating banditry continue to rise.
