Fresh tension grips Yagba West community following warning from fleeing kidnap victim.
Ejiba, Kogi State – Fresh tension has gripped Ejiba town in Yagba West Local Government Area following a chilling warning from an escaped kidnap victim who claims armed bandits are planning to attack a church in the community.
The victim, who reportedly escaped from suspected bandits around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, disclosed that the armed group had discussed plans to launch an attack on a church in Ejiba, according to local sources who spoke with Òkun Reporters.
Heightened Fears
The warning comes amid already elevated security concerns in the area following a series of violent incidents targeting residents and farmers. Community members say the information has further heightened fear among residents, particularly worshippers who now face uncertainty about their safety during religious gatherings.
Ejiba and surrounding communities in Yagba West have witnessed a surge in bandit activity in recent weeks. Just hours before this latest warning, a pastor identified as Pastor Gideon, a Hausa cleric and secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was killed by bandits on his cashew farm on the outskirts of Ejiba . His body was reportedly found severely mutilated.
The killing came less than 24 hours after another farmer, Joseph Jones, a native of Odo-Eri in the same local government area, was killed by bandits while returning from his farm . His companion remains missing.
Recent Attacks on Places of Worship
Ejiba has witnessed direct attacks on churches in recent weeks. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, armed bandits stormed a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the community during a service, abducting the pastor identified as Orlando, his wife, and several other worshippers . Worshippers fled in different directions as gunshots rang out, with many escaping into nearby bushes.
That abduction followed earlier warnings from security agencies about planned attacks on religious centres. The Kogi State Government had, on February 10, issued a strong warning to churches over continued violations of security protocols banning late religious activities, citing credible intelligence of planned attacks by bandits . The government specifically noted that intercepted conversations among bandits revealed plans to attack a church in Ijumu Local Government Area, with criminals boasting they would make “a lot of money” through ransom by kidnapping worshippers .
Escalating Insecurity in Yagba Axis
The latest warning adds to a growing list of security incidents across Yagba West and neighbouring communities:
· February 23, 2026: Three persons killed along the Koro-Egbe border, with reports of heavy gunfire between Koro and Eruku
· February 22, 2026: Pastor Gideon killed on his farm in Ejiba
· February 21, 2026: Joseph Jones killed in Odo-Eri; travellers ambushed along Isanlu Makutu–Idofin route
· February 15, 2026: Pastor Orlando, wife, and worshippers abducted from church in Ejiba
· February 10, 2026: Two farmers abducted in Oke-Ere while working on their farms
· February 7, 2026: Koro community attacked, forest guard killed
The persistent presence of gunmen along forest paths connecting Yagba West to border communities in Kwara State—particularly Ogbe Forest, which locals say has become a suspected bandit hideout—has raised serious security concerns among residents.
Calls for Intervention
Community leaders and residents are now urgently calling on the Nigeria Police Force, the Kogi State Government, and security agencies to take immediate preventive measures to protect lives and places of worship in the community.
The Kogi State Government had earlier, on February 8, ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West, including Ejiba, as part of intensified security operations aimed at flushing out terrorists and bandits . However, residents say more boots on the ground are needed.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has previously commended the Nigerian Army for sustained operations against criminal elements and assured troops of continued logistical and moral support . Joint security forces have recorded successes, including overrunning three major bandit camps and rescuing kidnap victims .
But with warnings of planned attacks on churches now emerging, residents say preventive action must be accelerated.
“We cannot afford to wait until another church is attacked,” a community leader pleaded. “The government and security agencies must act now on this intelligence.”
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