Gunmen

Richard Elesho 

As the Kogi State government, in collaboration with the security agencies, struggles to prevent terrorism from taking root in its territory, the Nigeria Police says it has uncovered plans by terrorists to attack churches in Yagba East Local Government Area, LGA, at any moment from now. Subsequently, it warned members of the public to be extra vigilant and suspend night services for the time being.

The security alert was issued in a memo signed by Kanwai James, a chief superintendent of police, CSP, and Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East and addressed to the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the area.

Memo, CB:0930/KGS/IS/Vol.4/279, dated 20th May 2025 is captioned: “Intelligent report on plans by criminal elements to launch an attack on churches in Yagba East, Kogi State.” It is recommended that the churches activate their internal security mechanism and stay on alert. The memo partly reads:

“Credible intelligence from concerned citizens at the disposal of the Nigeria Police reveals that criminal elements operating within Yagba East and West Local Government Areas of Kogi State have concluded plans to launch a deadly attack on churches in Yagba East Local Government Area any moment from now.

Given that, you are hereby instructed to intensify efforts in disseminating the information to all churches in Yagba East to be vigilant and security conscious to avert their nefarious activities.

“The internal security personnel of the churches, such as Boy Brigade, should be planted within the Church premises during Sunday or any other day service to prevent any form of sudden attack. Also, all might programmes or activities should be suspended or limited for the time being.

The Nigeria Police in Yagba East LGA is using this medium to solicit the support of members of the public in the area of provision of useful intelligence information that will help the Police in combating crime and criminality in Yagba East LGA.

“More so, based on the intelligence report, the Nigeria Police, DSS, NSCDC, vigilantes and hunters are seriously working in collaboration with the local government, the traditional council, and the IPU Chairman to provide mobility that will enable them to intensify patrol during Sunday service.”

Repeated efforts to speak with the DPO did not yield a result as his line was switched off.

This medium reports that the Okun axis of Kogi West has suffered repeated security breaches in recent times. A 90-year-old first-class traditional ruler and a 76-year-old retired army major are among several other people currently languishing in different kidnapper cells in the area.