Bandits Give 48-Hour Ultimatum for Release of Kogi Church Hostages
Bandits who kidnapped worshippers from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, have issued a two-day ultimatum to the victims’ families, demanding ₦200 million for their release.
The attackers, who raided the church during a service on November 30, 2025, initially demanded ₦500 million before reducing their ransom demand. They warned that failure to meet the demand would lead to “consequences.”
SaharaReporters gathered that 14 individuals were abducted, including the presiding pastor, known as Orlando, his wife, and six children from their household. Among the victims are very young infants, including a three-week-old baby and a four-month-old child.
More than a week after the abduction, residents and families say the Kogi State Government has yet to provide a public update or details on efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
A video circulating on social media shows relatives of the pastor pleading with the state government for urgent intervention. In the footage, four women, including the elderly wife of Pastor Orlando, kneel in desperation, appealing to Governor Usman Ododo to rescue their loved ones.
“Please, come to our rescue. The amount the kidnappers are demanding is beyond our means,” the elderly woman said. The voiceover in the video described Pastor Orlando as both a farmer and cleric, while his wife is a petty trader, and the children—all students—remain in captivity.
Community members have warned that the situation is growing increasingly urgent as the 48-hour deadline set by the kidnappers approaches, stressing the need for immediate government action.
