Faith, Farms, and Fear in Nigeria’s Middle Belt
Fresh outrage has erupted in Nigeria’s North-Central region after armed bandits abducted a pastor of Living Faith Church while he was heading to his farm in Kogi State. The incident has intensified public anger over worsening insecurity and the growing pattern of attacks targeting Christian leaders and worshippers.
Pastor Seized on Isolated Farm Road
Eyewitnesses say the pastor was riding on a motorcycle with a commercial rider along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde axis when they were suddenly confronted by armed men. On sighting the assailants, the pastor reportedly jumped off the motorcycle in a desperate attempt to escape.
The rider managed to flee unharmed, but the pastor was overpowered and whisked away into the bush to an unknown location.
Silence from Kidnappers Raises Alarm
As of the time of filing this report, the abductors had not contacted the victim’s family or church, and no ransom demand had been issued. The silence has deepened fear among residents of Okoro Gbedde and surrounding communities, where anxiety is already high over repeated security breaches.
Kogi Churches Repeatedly Targeted
The abduction follows a far deadlier assault earlier in December when gunmen stormed First ECWA Church and Apostolic Church in Aiyetoro Kiri. During that attack, dozens of worshippers including children and the elderly were kidnapped during church services.
₦600 Million Ransom Demand Shocked Community
Community sources say the attackers later contacted residents, insisting on negotiating directly with the government before issuing a staggering ₦600 million ransom demand. Victims’ families were reportedly given an ultimatum, with threats of dire consequences if payment was delayed.
Worshippers Killed, Children Taken
The earlier church attack reportedly claimed the life of Jimoh Adeyemi, a seminary graduate also known as JJ, while others sustained injuries. More than 12 children between the ages of three and eight and over 10 elderly worshippers above 70 years old were among those abducted.
Witnesses say the gunmen operated freely for hours, surrounding the community and even forcing some captives to return home briefly to gather ransom money before being taken away.
A Pattern of Terror, Not Isolated Crimes
Security observers warn that these incidents point to a coordinated campaign rather than random criminal acts. The repeated targeting of churches, clergy, and rural communities has raised fears of faith-based persecution and total collapse of security in parts of Kogi State.
Fear, Anger, and Questions for Authorities
Residents are demanding urgent intervention from security agencies and the state government. Critics argue that the ability of bandits to operate for hours without resistance reflects a dangerous vacuum of authority.
For many Nigerians, the message is chilling: neither the farm nor the church is safe.
