Gunmen have abducted the pastor of the Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nigeria (CEFN), Itobe branch, Pastor Friday Adehi, and a church member, Gabriel Ezekiel, in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were seized on Sunday afternoon along the Ajegwu–Ojodu Road while returning to Itobe after attending a naming ceremony.
They were riding on a motorcycle when the armed men, who had laid an ambush, stopped them at gunpoint and whisked them into the bush.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. “The pastor was riding his motorcycle with another member when the kidnappers suddenly emerged from hiding and forced them off the road,” one source recounted.
Local vigilantes working with the military have since launched a manhunt for the abductors.
Community members, with support from philanthropist Dr. Simeon Oyigu, have also been clearing bushes along major roads in an effort to expose criminals who use the forests as hideouts.
Despite these efforts, kidnappers continue to operate on the Itobe–Anyigba axis.
Meanwhile, the CEFN Church has declared prayers and fasting for the safe release of its members.
The Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA) and Ukomu Igala, two socio-cultural groups in the state, have urged the Kogi government to deploy drone technology to track kidnappers and assist security agencies in their operations.