The Rising Tide of Insecurity in Kogi
The
recent abduction of a pastor, his wife, and several worshippers during a church
service in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, is yet
another chilling reminder of the deepening crisis of insecurity in Nigeria.
According to reports, armed bandits stormed a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church, dispersing congregants in fear and seizing the pastor, popularly known as Orlando, alongside his wife and others.
The
attack, which unfolded in broad daylight, left the community shaken and
underscored the vulnerability of places once considered sanctuaries of peace.
This incident did not occur in isolation. Just a day earlier, another group of armed men attacked the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin route in Yagba East, forcing residents and travelers to flee.
The back-to-back assaults have heightened anxiety across
the region, with many residents choosing to remain indoors and commuters
diverting from troubled routes. T
he exact
number of abducted victims remains unclear, but the psychological toll is undeniable.
Communities are gripped by fear, and faith institutions, traditionally pillars
of resilience, are now under siege.
The
symbolism of this attack is particularly disturbing. A church, a place of
worship and refuge, was violated by violence, stripping away the sense of
safety that religious gatherings provide. It reflects the broader erosion of
trust in public spaces across Nigeria, where schools, highways, and even homes
have become targets.
The
brazenness of the attackers also highlights the growing confidence of criminal
groups who exploit weak security structures and limited state presence in rural
areas.
This wave
of violence in Kogi mirrors a national pattern. Across Nigeria, banditry has
evolved from sporadic attacks into a sustained campaign of terror,
destabilizing communities and undermining economic and social life.
The
abduction of worshippers is not just a crime against individuals; it is an
assault on collective faith, unity, and the fragile fabric of society.
The
government’s response must go beyond reactive measures. Security agencies need
to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response mechanisms, and
collaborate with local communities to restore confidence.
Equally
important is addressing the root causes, poverty, unemployment, and lack of
opportunities, that fuel banditry. Without tackling these systemic issues, the
cycle of violence will persist.
The Ejiba
attack should serve as a wake-up call. It is not merely a local tragedy but a
national emergency. If places of worship can no longer guarantee safety, then
the very soul of society is at risk.
Nigeria
must confront this menace with urgency, resolve, and a commitment to protect its
citizens wherever they gather, be it in churches, mosques, schools, or on the
roads.
Insecurity
in Kogi is a microcosm of Nigeria’s broader struggle.
The
abduction of the pastor, his wife, and worshippers is a stark reminder that the
fight against banditry is not just about reclaiming territory, but about
reclaiming hope, faith, and the sanctity of communal life.
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