Gunmen Abduct Three Pastors in Kogi State After Crusade, Demand N20 Million Ransom
In a disturbing turn of events, three pastors were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Kogi State on the night of January 20, 2025. The incident occurred shortly after the pastors had ministered at the ongoing “Ejule Gospel Crusade” in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area.
The victims were ambushed by the assailants while returning from the crusade grounds around 11 pm on the Ejule-Ofakaga-Anyigba Road. The kidnappers intercepted their vehicle in what appeared to be a well-planned operation. One of the abducted pastors, Evangelist Gabriel Onaji, was a guest minister at the crusade, which was hosted by Evangelist Sunday Oguche, president of God’s Care Missions, Okpo.
Targeted Attack:
It was reported by local sources that Evangelist Sunday Oguche might have been the intended target of the kidnappers. However, Oguche managed to evade capture by opting to spend the night in Anyigba instead of returning to Ejule, which may have averted a greater tragedy.
The vehicle used by the pastors was later discovered abandoned in Ofakaga village, located along the Ejule-Anyigba road, with no trace of the abductors or the pastors at the scene.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of N20 million for the safe release of the three pastors. Ayefu John, a resident familiar with one of the victims, confirmed the ransom demand, heightening concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings in the region.
When contacted, Williams Aya, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, stated that he was initially unaware of the incident. However, he assured that he would follow up with the relevant police divisions to obtain updates and details about the ongoing investigation.
The incident has drawn widespread attention and raised concerns over the security situation in kogi state, particularly regarding the safety of religious leaders and citizens. The community remains on edge as efforts to secure the release of the pastors continue.
Authorities and local residents are hoping for a swift resolution to the situation and the safe return of the abducted pastors.
Excerpt from SR
Three pastors have been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Ejule in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred shortly after they ministered at an ongoing crusade in the town, according to Daily Trust.
The attackers reportedly ambushed the pastors along the Ejule-Ofakaga-Anyigba Road around 11 pm on Monday, January 20, 2025, as they returned from the crusade ground.
One of the abducted pastors, identified as Evangelist Gabriel Onaji, was a guest minister at the three-day crusade themed “Ejule Gospel Crusade,” hosted by Evangelist Sunday Oguche, president of God’s Care Missions, Okpo.
“Evangelist Sunday Oguche appeared to be the target of the kidnappers. The evangelist would have been kidnapped if not that he opted to spend the night at Anyigba instead of Ejule,” said a source.
Their vehicle was later found abandoned in Ofakaga village along the Ejule-Anyigba road.
The kidnappers have demanded a N20 million ransom for their release, according to Ayefu John, a resident who attended the crusade and is familiar with one of the abducted pastors.
When SaharaReporters contacted Williams Aya, spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, he said he was unaware of the incident but would follow up with the division for updates.
