The Nigeria Police Force has alerted the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, warning churches in the area over an impending attack by criminal elements.
According to a police signal by CSP Kanwai James, the Divisional Police Officer, Isanlu, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday, credible intelligence suggests that the attack could happen at any moment.
The police signal reads: “Credible intelligent report from concerned Citizen at the disposal of the Nigeria Police reveals that criminal elements operating within Yagba East and West Local Government Areas of Kogi State have concluded plans to launch a deadly attack on churches in Yagba East LGA any moment from now.”
In view of the threat, the police are urging churches to be vigilant and security-conscious.
“You are hereby intimated to intensify efforts in disseminating the information to all churches in Yagba East, to be vigilant and security conscious in order to avert their nefarious activities,” the signal stated.
The police said it also advised churches to plant internal security personnel, such as Boys Brigade, within their premises during services to prevent any sudden attack.
Additionally, all night programmes or activities have been advised to be suspended or limited for the time being.
The Nigeria Police said, in collaboration with other security agencies, including the DSS, NSCDC, vigilante, and hunters, it is working to provide mobility to intensify patrols during Sunday services.
“The police are also soliciting the support of members of the public in providing useful intelligence information to help combat crime and criminality in Yagba East LGA.
“We are seriously working in collaboration with the Local Government, the Traditional Council and IPU Chairman to provide mobility that will enable them intensify patrol during Sunday’s service,” the signal added.
The police assured the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
SaharaReporters earlier today reported that gunmen abducted a 76-year-old cleric, Pastor Joe Ajayi, from his residence in Odo-Ape, located in the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
The former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kabba-Bunu chapter, who is also a retired Major of the Nigerian Army, was abducted by the unidentified gunmen.
He was reportedly taken around 11:30pm on Wednesday.
This development occured even as the Okun Development Association expressed worry over insecurity in Okunland.
According to local sources, the assailants stormed the community, firing sporadic gunshots for over an hour before forcibly taking the retired officer to an unknown location.
Residents of the community had expressed deep concern over Pastor Ajayi’s fragile health, worsened by his age, and the potential risks associated with his abduction.
The incident has intensified fear among locals and sparked renewed calls for enhanced security in the area.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that gunmen attacked Okoloke, an agrarian community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting four persons.
The latest incident occurred when an unidentified number of armed men stormed the area.
As revealed by local sources, the assailants forced their way into the residence of Ezekiel Durojaiye, a retiree and respected community leader in nearby Okunran village.
The attackers abducted Pa Durojaiye along with three others, whisking them away into the bush at gunpoint.
The incident has further heightened fear and tension among residents.
Yagba West has recently become a hotspot for abductions.
A few days ago, SaharaReporters reported that kidnappers attacked a traditional ruler in Kogi State, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, who is the Obalohun of Okoloke, abducting him in the process.
According to reports, the monarch was abducted in the early hours of last Thursday.
Quoting eyewitnesses, it was reported that a group of heavily armed men stormed the monarch’s palace in Okoloke, a serene community in Yagba West Local Government Area, at around 2 a.m.
The assailants overpowered palace guards and forcibly whisked the king away to an unknown location. The operation was said to be swift.
The development was also confirmed by the Kogi State Police Command.
The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, had also condemned the abduction of the monarch by the bandits in a statement.(SaharaReporters)
