Six Worshippers kidnapped, Pastor shot, fingers cut off as gunmen invade Church

On Saturday, in the Aniocha South local government area, gunmen stormed the Elyon Paradise Ministry church, Asagba Ogwashi, which is close to Ogwashi Uku Polytheistic.

They took six churchgoers to an unidentified location and shot one pastor, Divine Omodia.

According to information obtained, the unidentified shooters stormed the church at approximately 10:30 p.m. on February 21, 2025, shot the pastor, severed his two fingers, and caused blood loss.

Steve Victor Onuchukwu, a church pastor, told The Guardian over the weekend that the kidnappers have not contacted to demand any ramson for their release since the event.

According to Onuchukwu, the police have been notified of the situation and are taking the required steps, but as of right now, nothing has changed, with the exception that “one of the security agencies just called me that they are working round round to perfect their release.”

He revealed that there is currently concern about the whereabouts of the shot Pastor, who is in the operating room at an unnamed hospital with multiple medical professionals fighting for his life.

“We have rushed the Pastor to the hospital, he is even at the theatre right now where doctors are working on him, to make sure his life is stabilized,” Onuchukwu said.

29-year-old Man sentenced to 7 years in jail for Cult membership

The Special Anti-Cultism Court 2 in Abeokuta on Thursday sentenced a 29-year-old man, Kazeem Popoola, to seven years in prison for belonging to a secret society and gun possession.

Popoola, also known as “K-Show”, was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, belonging to an unlawful society and being in possession of one locally-made gun and two live cartridges.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Delivering judgment, the Magistrate, Mr S.O Banwo, held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, and pronounced Popoola guilty as charged.

Banwo then sentenced him to two years in prison for conspiracy, and seven years for belonging to an unlawful society.

He also sentenced the convict to five years in prison for unlawful possession of locally-made gun and two live cartridges without licence.

The magistrate ordered that the sentence would be without an option of fine and the terms were to run concurrently.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Johnson Pendosoji, had told the court that the convict committed the offences on Oct. 14, 2023 at Ijeja area in Abeokuta.

Pendosoji said while the police team were on a stop-and-search duty, the team recovered the items from the defendant who was on a motorcycle.

“The police team while on duty recovered a locally-made gun with two live cartridges which has no licence, and upon his arrest, he made a confessional statement that he was a member of the Eiye confraternity,” he said.

The prosecutor said this contravened Sections 34, 45(b) and 36 of a law of the state.

This law is the Prohibition of Forcible Entry and Occupation of Landed Properties, Armed Robbery, Cultism, Kidnapping and other Anti-Violent and other Related Offences Laws of Ogun 2016.

He also said the offence committed contravened Section 3,(I) of the Armed Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.(NAN)

Military Personnel guarding pipelines attacked by gunmen

An armed assault by suspected cultists has left several soldiers injured while on duty at an oil pipeline facility in the Okporowo community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The attack, which occurred on Monday, has raised alarm across the region, with authorities now on high alert.

Sources close to the scene suggest that the ambush was orchestrated by a notorious gang leader, who is reportedly on the security agencies’ watchlist.

While no fatalities have been reported, some soldiers sustained serious injuries after the gunmen opened fire on the security personnel.

Authorities have confirmed that a significant military reinforcement has been dispatched to the area in response to the violent assault.

“The situation is still unfolding, but it appears at least one soldier may have suffered severe injuries. However, there are no confirmed fatalities at this time,” the source disclosed, adding that the military response was swift.

The local monarch, Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Prince Ike Ehie JP, also known as Eze Ehie II, condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

He described the assault as a blatant challenge to the authority of the state and a direct insult to those fulfilling their constitutional duties.

The Eze expressed grave concern that civilians would resort to violence against soldiers carrying out official responsibilities.

“This attack on our soldiers is unacceptable. It is an affront to the rule of law and an insult to all those who work to ensure peace and security in our community,” Eze Ehie said.

“I call on the government to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

The monarch also emphasised the importance of maintaining law and order, urging the security agencies to exercise professionalism while ensuring the safety of the community’s residents.

Eze Ehie pledged his kingdom’s full support to authorities in eradicating illegal arms proliferation and combating youth involvement in crime.

He issued a stern warning to other community leaders, stressing that any failure to uphold security and prevent breaches could result in severe consequences, including removal from office.

Eze Ehie expressed his deepest sympathy to the military, the government, and the injured soldiers, wishing them a speedy recovery.

He reaffirmed Orlukwor’s commitment to peace, describing the kingdom as historically peaceful and hospitable.