At least 13 people have been abducted after armed men attacked a church during a Sunday service in Nigeria’s central Kogi state, in what authorities say is the second such incident in the area within two weeks. The attackers stormed Evangelical Church Winning All in the rural farming community of Aaaaz Kiri, opening fire before seizing several members of the congregation and fleeing the scene.
Kogi state information commissioner Kingsley Fanwo said five of the gunmen were killed during a security response, while others escaped despite being wounded.Officials described the assailants as bandits, a term commonly used in Nigeria for criminal gangs that carry out kidnappings for ransom.
The attack follows a similar incident two weeks earlier in the nearby town of Ejiba, where gunmen abducted a pastor, his wife, and several church members. Residents say the victims remain in captivity despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure their release. Fanwo said increased military pressure on criminal groups in neighbouring Niger and Kwara states has pushed armed gangs further into Kogi state.
The latest attack highlights Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, particularly in parts of the north western and central regions, where armed groups have carried out a surge in kidnappings, village raids, and assaults on places of worship. One of the most serious recent incidents occurred in late November, when more than 250 children and 12 staff members were reportedly abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger state.
While the Nigerian government has previously blamed jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province for many of the attacks, analysts argue that most recent incidents are the work of criminal gangs motivated by ransom rather than ideology. In response, President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to intensify intelligence led operations and approved the deployment of additional troops and police to areas considered high risk.
Authorities say joint military and police task forces have dismantled some armed groups in recent weeks. However, attacks continue largely unabated, especially in rural communities where security presence is limited and emergency responses are slow.