Security threats force suspension of Church services in Kogi

The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Kabba/Bunu Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has ordered the suspension of all church activities in the area until further notice.

The decision followed rising security concerns, including recent attacks on churches and the discovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition by security operatives in parts of the state.

The directive was contained in a notice issued by the CAN Coordinator in Kabba/Bunu LGA, Rev. Kayode Osatuyi, after a meeting held at the monarch’s palace with traditional rulers and church leaders. The notice was sighted on Friday.

According to the statement, the suspension was based on credible security reports indicating threats to churches in the area. Osatuyi explained that the move was taken after consultations with the state leadership of CAN and urged all churches to comply in the interest of safety.

He called on residents and worshippers to continue praying for peace in Kabba/Bunu land, assuring that churches would be notified when it was considered safe to resume services.

The development comes amid heightened security operations in Kogi State, where the government recently announced the recovery of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts during joint security raids. Authorities have also advised worship centres, particularly those located on the outskirts of towns, to exercise caution and reconsider holding services in vulnerable areas.

In recent weeks, several churches in the area have been targeted. A Cherubim and Seraphim Church was attacked last month, while another incident occurred at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Kiri, where worshippers were reportedly killed. In the latest attack, bandits reportedly stormed a church during Sunday service and abducted about 20 worshippers.

Security agencies have continued efforts to restore calm and prevent further attacks in the area.