Church declares prayers and fasting as gunmen allegedly kidnap Pastor, Church member

Church declare prayers and fasting as gunmen allegedly kidnap Pastor, Church member

Gunmen have kidnapped Pastor Friday Adehi of the Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nigeria (CEFN) and a church member, Gabriel Ezekiel, in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident occurred on Sunday as the victims were returning from a church programme.

Eyewitnesses said the duo were riding on a motorcycle along the Ajegwu–Ojodu Road when they were ambushed by armed men.

“The attack happened between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on August 24, 2025. The kidnappers, who had been hiding in the bush, suddenly emerged as the motorcycle approached,” a witness recounted.

The assailants reportedly stopped the victims at gunpoint before whisking them into the forest.

The victims had just attended a naming ceremony for another member of their church and were on their way back to their residence in Itobe when the incident occurred.

In response to the abduction, the CEFN Church and its members have initiated prayers and fasting for the safe return of Pastor Adehi and Gabriel Ezekiel.

Meanwhile, major Igala socio-cultural organizations, including the Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA) and Ukomu Igala, have called on the Kogi State government to step up efforts to combat kidnappings.

The groups specifically urged the government to use drone technology to track kidnappers and bandits who use the state’s forests as hideouts.

They believe this strategy would help the joint task force achieve better results in its fight against criminals in the area.