In a chilling development, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a high-priority security alert, warning of an imminent terrorist attack targeting churches in Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State. The alert, detailed in a memo dated May 20, 2025, and signed by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Kanwai James, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Isanlu, reveals credible intelligence about a planned assault by criminal elements operating within Yagba East and neighboring Yagba West LGAs. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the Okun region of Kogi West, an area already grappling with escalating insecurity, including kidnappings and violent crimes. As the Christian community braces for potential danger, authorities are mobilizing a robust security response to avert what could be a devastating tragedy.
The Threat Unveiled
According to the police memo, intelligence reports indicate that unidentified criminal elements have finalized plans to launch a coordinated attack on churches in Yagba East, with the assault expected to occur “any moment from now.” The memo, addressed to the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Yagba East, paints a grim picture of the looming threat, urging religious institutions to take immediate and decisive action to protect their congregations. The specificity of the target—churches—has raised alarm bells, given the symbolic and communal significance of these places of worship, which serve as sanctuaries for thousands of residents in this predominantly Christian region.
The alert comes against the backdrop of a troubling rise in insecurity in Kogi West, particularly in the Okun region, which includes Yagba East and West LGAs. Over the past year, the area has witnessed a surge in kidnappings, armed robberies, and other violent crimes, often attributed to suspected bandits and criminal gangs operating in the dense forests and rugged terrain along the Kogi-Kwara border. The police memo suggests that the perpetrators of the planned church attacks may be linked to these criminal networks, which have increasingly targeted vulnerable communities to instill fear and assert control.
Police Recommendations
In response to the intelligence, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a series of urgent recommendations to churches in Yagba East. CSP Kanwai James has called on religious leaders to activate internal security measures, including the deployment of trained security personnel and vigilance committees within church premises. Churches have been advised to temporarily suspend night services, a common practice in many congregations, to minimize the risk of attacks during vulnerable hours. Additionally, worship centers are urged to enhance surveillance, scrutinize unfamiliar faces, and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately.
The Christian Association of Nigeria in Yagba East has been thrust into a critical role, coordinating with church leaders to ensure compliance with the police directives. The memo emphasizes the need for heightened awareness among congregants, encouraging them to remain vigilant during worship services and to avoid isolated routes when traveling to and from church. The alert has also prompted discussions among community leaders about the broader implications of the threat, with many expressing concern about the psychological toll on worshippers who now face the fear of violence in spaces meant for peace and reflection.
Coordinated Security Measures
To counter the threat, law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to secure Yagba East and prevent the planned attack from coming to fruition. The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilante groups, and hunters, has launched an extensive security operation in the region. The traditional council, led by local monarchs, is also playing a pivotal role, mobilizing community resources to support the security effort. Enhanced patrols, particularly during church service hours, are now in effect, with checkpoints established along major roads and in rural areas known to be hideouts for criminal elements.
The involvement of local hunters and vigilantes underscores the gravity of the situation, as these groups are often called upon to navigate the challenging terrain of Kogi’s forested areas, where bandits and kidnappers have established strongholds. The collaboration reflects a broader strategy to leverage local knowledge and resources to complement the efforts of formal security agencies, which have faced criticism in the past for being under-resourced and overstretched in tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
Insecurity in Kogi West
The planned attack on churches in Yagba East is part of a disturbing trend of insecurity in Kogi State, particularly in the Okun region. Yagba East and West LGAs, located in Kogi West Senatorial District, have become hotspots for criminal activities in recent years. The region’s proximity to Kwara State and its vast, ungoverned spaces have made it an attractive base for bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups. Residents have reported frequent abductions along major highways, with ransom demands often reaching millions of naira. In some cases, victims have been killed despite payments, fueling distrust in the ability of security forces to restore order.
The targeting of churches adds a new dimension to the crisis, raising fears of religiously motivated violence in a country already grappling with sectarian tensions. While the police memo does not explicitly link the planned attack to any specific terrorist group, such as Boko Haram or ISWAP, the targeting of religious institutions echoes tactics used by extremist groups in Nigeria’s North-East and North-West. However, local sources suggest that the perpetrators may be opportunistic criminal gangs rather than ideologically driven terrorists, exploiting the region’s vulnerabilities for financial gain and territorial control.
Community Resilience
As news of the security alert spreads, residents of Yagba East are grappling with a mix of fear, resilience, and determination. Churches, which serve as vital community hubs in the region, are adapting to the new reality by implementing stricter security protocols. Some congregations have begun hiring private security firms, while others are relying on volunteer groups to patrol their premises. Pastors and religious leaders are also using sermons to reassure their flocks, emphasizing unity and faith in the face of adversity.
The broader community is rallying to support the security effort, with local businesses and youth groups offering assistance to law enforcement. The traditional council has called for calm, urging residents to avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten panic. Meanwhile, civil society organizations in Kogi State are advocating for long-term solutions to the region’s insecurity, including increased funding for security agencies, community policing initiatives, and economic development programs to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and unemployment.
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