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Security Forces Detain Suspect in Kogi Church Assault
Agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully apprehended an individual believed to be responsible for orchestrating the violent attack on a church in Kogi State.
Details of the Arrest and Suspect
The detainee, named Shafiu Usman, is alleged to be the key planner behind the fatal assault that targeted the First ECWA Church located in Ayetoro Kiri, within Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Nigeria’s North-Central region. This incident occurred on December 14, 2025.
While a DSS insider confirmed the arrest to Channels Television, specifics regarding the exact location and timing of the capture remain undisclosed.
Overview of the Church Attack
On the day of the attack, armed assailants, suspected to be terrorists, invaded the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) during an ongoing worship service. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, inciting panic and chaos among the congregants.
Eyewitness accounts describe how the gunmen arrived mid-service, prompting many attendees to flee in terror. Several individuals were reportedly abducted and led away through nearby forested paths.
Community Impact and Response
The violent incident left the local community in a state of shock and fear, with residents scrambling for safety amid the gunfire. Such attacks have heightened concerns about security in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced protective measures for places of worship.
Context and Broader Security Concerns
Incidents like this reflect a troubling trend in the North-Central zone, where religious sites have increasingly become targets of violent extremism. According to recent data from Nigeria’s security agencies, attacks on religious institutions have risen by 15% in the past year alone, underscoring the critical importance of coordinated counterterrorism efforts.
Efforts by security forces to dismantle terror networks and safeguard vulnerable communities continue to be a top priority for the government.
