A living faith pastor kidnapped in Kogi
A pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel) has been kidnapped by suspected bandits in Kogi State, raising fresh concerns over worsening insecurity across parts of the North-Central region of Nigeria.
Pastor Abducted While Going to Farm
According to reports, the pastor was abducted on Saturday, December 27, 2025, along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde road in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He was said to be on his way to his farm, riding on a commercial motorcycle, when armed men intercepted them .
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the pastor attempted to escape by jumping off the motorcycle after sighting the gunmen. However, he was overpowered and whisked away by the attackers into a nearby forest, while the motorcycle rider reportedly escaped unharmed .
No Ransom Demand Yet
As of the time of filing this report, no ransom demand has been made, and there has been no official communication from the kidnappers to the pastor’s family or the church leadership. The incident has thrown residents of Okoro Gbedde and surrounding communities into fear, with many lamenting repeated attacks along rural roads .
Rising Attacks on Churches in Kogi
The latest abduction adds to a growing list of kidnappings and violent attacks targeting churches and worshippers in Kogi State in recent weeks. Several communities have complained of inadequate security presence, particularly in farming and interior areas where bandits operate freely.
Calls for Urgent Security Action
Residents and religious leaders are calling on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to intensify patrols and launch a coordinated operation to rescue the abducted pastor and curb the activities of armed groups terrorising the area.
Nigeria has continued to battle banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes, with faith leaders increasingly becoming targets, sparking national outrage and renewed calls for decisive action by authorities.
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