Armed bandits who attacked the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Sunday morning, November 30, 2025, have reportedly reached out to the family of the abducted pastor, Pastor Orlando.
Sources close to the family disclosed to Sahara Reporters that the kidnappers are demanding a massive ₦500 million ransom for the safe release of the pastor and the unconfirmed number of worshippers seized during the violent raid.
Authorities are yet to confirm any official negotiations, but security operatives are reportedly monitoring the situation.
Recall that the Kogi State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the attack, describing it as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
Immediately following the attack, the state government launched an extensive aerial and ground security operation to pursue the attackers and secure the victims’ release.
Video footage circulating on social media showed a state-deployed helicopter and an anti-kidnapping unit actively combing the area.
In his statement, Fanwo noted that the state government and the Yagba West Local Government Area, being a border LGA, have been making concerted efforts to combat criminal activities.
He also expressed frustration over the possible complicity of local residents and the vulnerability of isolated worship centers.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
