Sunday Karimi (standing)
Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi west, has called for urgent action to ensure the unconditional release of worshippers abducted during an attack on a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba west LGA of Kogi state.
Gunmen were said to have stormed the church during Sunday service and kidnapped the pastor, his wife, and several worshippers.
Karimi made the call in a statement issued on Monday.
He condemned the attack and urged Nigerians to pray for the safe return of the victims.
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Karimi described the incident as a plot by criminals “masquerading as bandits” to cause panic and distract the security agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He said the president had already directed security agencies to take swift action for the rescue of the victims.
The senator added that recent attacks in Kogi west would not deter him from pursuing good governance and effective representation.
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He appealed to the families of the abducted worshippers to remain calm as government efforts continue.
He also sympathised with them and reiterated the commitment of the authorities to ensure the victims’ safe return.
Karimi urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could help curb kidnapping and other crimes in the region.
“Kogi west has always been a peaceful constituency where people go about their businesses without fear of insecurity, and that glory will be restored,” he said.
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He commended security agencies for their efforts in combating crime and praised the federal government for working to strengthen national security and the economy.
Meanwhile, the Kogi government has announced that worship centres in “crime-prone areas” should reconsider opening until the state’s security situation improves.
“Worship Centres in the outskirts should also reconsider worshipping in crime-prone areas for now until the situation gets better,” Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s commissioner for information, said in a statement on Sunday.
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