Armed bandits have kidnapped a pastor of the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, in Okoro Gbedde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Bandits also invaded Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area of the state and abducted four residents.
The pastor was kidnapped while going to his farm on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
According to eyewitness accounts, the pastor was traveling on a motorcycle to his farm along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde axis, accompanied by a commercial rider, when they were confronted by the assailants.
Sources revealed that upon seeing the kidnappers, the pastor “jumped off the motorcycle”.
“The commercial rider managed to escape unharmed, while the pastor was abducted and taken to an unknown location,” a source said.
As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers had not contacted the pastor’s family or the church, and no ransom demand had been made.
In the Odo-Ere attack, armed bandits invaded the community on Sunday evening, December 28, 2025, abducting Engr. Shina Ajere, Mr. Kehinde Afolabi, Damiola Ogun, and a woman popularly known as Iya Lara.
Community reports indicate that the situation remains fluid, with unconfirmed numbers of additional victims feared to have been kidnapped as residents continue to account for missing persons.
The attack has thrown Odo-Ere into panic, as gunshots were reportedly heard across parts of the town, forcing residents indoors.
Security agencies are yet to release an official statement as of the time of filing this report.