The Bureau News reports that the Kogi State Government has issued a stern warning to churches across the state over continued violations of the security protocol banning late religious activities, citing credible intelligence of planned attacks by bandits.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed that intelligence reports revealed a plot by criminal elements to attack a church in Ijumu Local Government Area.
Kogi State News: Intelligence Reveals Planned Attack
According to Fanwo, intercepted conversations among the suspected bandits indicated that the targeted church had continued to operate late into the night, making it vulnerable.
The criminals were reportedly heard boasting that they would make “a lot of money” through ransom by kidnapping worshippers during a service.
The Commissioner stated that coordinated security measures have been activated to avert the attack, but stressed that the development reinforces the need for strict compliance with the state’s preventive security directives.
“We have observed with deep concern that despite clear security advisories, some churches still operate late into the night. This is unacceptable in the face of prevailing security challenges,” Fanwo said.
Churches Ordered to Close by 4pm
Fanwo reiterated that no church is permitted to operate beyond 4:00pm. He added that churches located in isolated or bushy areas must immediately seek safer alternatives in the interest of worshippers.
He warned that any church found violating the directive would face sanctions, noting that such actions expose members to grave danger.
“This decision is not targeted at faith or worship. It is a safety-first approach designed to protect lives. Any church that deliberately disregards this protocol constitutes a security risk to its members,” he added.
The Commissioner further directed security operatives to prevent pastors from conducting night services, emphasizing that the government’s priority is crime prevention rather than post-incident response.
“Our intention is to prevent crime, not to begin running helter-skelter to secure the release of kidnapped victims,” he stated.
The Kogi State Government dismissed insinuations that the directive reflects weakness, insisting that it remains aggressive in confronting criminal elements across the state.
The Bureau News gathered that the administration has called on religious leaders to cooperate fully with security agencies to sustain peace and safeguard lives.
Army Troops Overrun Terrorist Enclave in Kogi
In a related development, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade overran a notorious terrorist enclave linked to suspected kingpins Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu.
The operation, led by Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, resulted in the recovery of over 2,000 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition and a box of high-velocity grenades.
After securing the enclave, troops destroyed and set the camp ablaze to prevent its reuse as a staging ground for further attacks.
Kogi State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, commended the military’s intervention, describing it as timely and decisive.
Fanwo confirmed that clearance operations are ongoing, adding that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to ending criminality through both aggressive security action and preventive measures.
For continuing updates on Nigeria News Today and developments across Kogi State, stay with The Bureau News.
