Gunmen Kidnap Three Pastors After Kogi Crusade, Demand ₦20 Million Ransom

Suspected kidnappers have abducted three pastors in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, following their participation in an ongoing crusade.

According to Daily Trust, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025, as the pastors were leaving the crusade venue along the Ejule-Ofakaga-Anyigba road.

Among the victims is Evangelist Gabriel Onaji, a former pastor of the United Evangelical Church (UEC) in Ejule, now based in Lokoja.

The two other abductees are believed to be associate pastors traveling with Evangelist Sunday Oguche, the event’s chief organiser and president of God’s Care Missions, Okpo.

The pastors were ambushed while heading to their guest house after the second day of the three-day “Ejule Gospel Crusade.”

Their vehicle was later found abandoned near Ofakaga village.

A local resident, Ayefu John, who attended the crusade, confirmed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦20 million for the release of the three ministers.

“Evangelist Sunday Oguche appeared to be the target of the kidnappers. The evangelist would have been kidnapped if not that he opted to spend the night at Anyigba, instead of Ejule, It was gathered.

“The three guest ministers at the crusade were on their way to their guest house to rest for the night after the closing of the second day of the 3-day crusade when they were ambushed by the hoodlums and whisked away to a yet-to-be-established destination.

“Their saloon car, which they drove in was found abandoned by the roadside in Ofakaga village along Ejule-Anyigba road.

“The kidnappers are demanding ₦20 million ransom for the release of the guest ministers,” the eyewitness said.