By Correspondent in Lokoja
The Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State,Hon. Zacheaus Dare Michael, has attributed the bandit attack on Kiri community in the area to what he described as a clear violation of existing security guidelines by the church leadership.
He gave the reason while confirming the bandit attack on the community, adding that an unspecified number of worshippers were abducted during a Sunday service at an ECWA Church in the affected community.
Our correspondent recalls that the governor of the state,Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered the suspension of all gathering from 4:00 p.m. daily, for now, as part of his administration’s efforts to effectively curb bandit attacks in the state.
According to the chairman of the council, the management of the church defied security warnings and went ahead with its activities, despite directives cautioning against gatherings in areas classified as highly volatile due to security threats.
“The church violated our security guidelines and directives by carrying out activities in a highly volatile zone,” the chairman said.
He added that the decision of the pastor to proceed with the service exposed members of the congregation to grave danger.
“The pastor led his congregational members into serious suffering,” Michael stated, while urging religious and community leaders to strictly adhere to security advisories to prevent further loss of lives and abductions.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
