GistNexus – April 15, 2025.
What started as a quiet night of prayers on a secluded mountain in the Egbola community of Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State became a nightmare when some unknown gunmen invaded the venue, kidnapping many of the worshipers. The incident occurred on a night vigil on Friday, April 11, at a venue that was known to host religious groups, especially Christian faithful who go there in search of spiritual comfort away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Witnesses reported that the attackers descended upon them unawares, shooting to create confusion and panic among the worshippers. In the ensuing commotion, several individuals were forcibly dragged into the nearby bush. It is yet to be established how many individuals were kidnapped, but residents assert the number can be significant as the prayer meeting was attended by a large crowd.
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The remoteness of the mountain placed the worshipers in a special vulnerability, without or with little immediate security presence. Residents now call for improved surveillance in isolated areas where night vigils and spiritual retreats are routinely undertaken.
Bravery Amid Chaos: The Escape of Mary Adams Gure
Among the abducted was Mary Adams Gure, whose escape has become a testament to resilience and quick thinking in the face of terror. Gure’s dramatic escape occurred in the middle of a tense standoff between the gunmen and local security volunteers. Her liberty was secured through the intervention of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, who were alerted not long after the incident began.
Gure broke free into the surrounding landscape amid a fleeting moment of distraction provided by the gunfire exchange, say those with knowledge of the operation. She found safety, in part aided by the rapid reaction of vigilante members who fought off the kidnappers in a firefight. Her rescue intact has been welcomed by community leaders, though many are still struggling to reconcile the ordeal’s psychological impact.
Gure is receiving treatment currently, and her account is being utilized by the authorities to piece together the events chronologically. Her story has given some hope to the families that are still waiting to learn about their loved ones who were kidnapped during the raid.
Local Vigilantes Take Charge as Authorities Remain Tight-Lipped
There was no immediate response from the Kogi State Police Command, the local vigilante groups have filled the gap, launching a search-and-rescue mission in the surrounding forest in a coordinated effort. Security sources told GistNexus the vigilantes were working on a tip-off from survivors and eyewitnesses at the scene, which enabled a quick deployment within hours of the attack.
Eyewitnesses described how these local vigilantes, who entered the dense foliage and repelled heavily armed attackers to free at least one of the victims. A shootout reportedly took place, during which the vigilantes drove the attackers deeper into the woods. Although no arrests have officially been confirmed, the vigilantes have continued to comb the area for the other kidnappees.
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Despite the desperateness of the situation, official sources have remained silent. Numerous calls and text messages to the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, have gone unreturned. The silence has served to further infuriate members of the public, as families anxiously wait to hear from and receive succor from state officials.
Community Reacts with Outrage and Calls for Action
The abduction has generated concern in the Lokoja community, provoking outrage and fear among residents and religious groups. Clerics have condemned the attack as a sheer desecration of sacred space and an assault on religious freedom. The leaders are now demanding that the government increase security around known spiritual centers, especially those in isolated or forest areas that are prone to such criminal activities.
Individuals go there in search of peace, not terrorism,” said one local pastor who holds mountain prayer retreats on a regular basis there. “This attack is an attack on our faith and our safety. We urge the government to protect our worshipers and prosecute the attackers.”.
Civil society groups have also joined the call for the Kogi State Government to come clean and provide immediate relief to the victimized families. As the state grapples with rising security problems, the attack adds to a disturbing trend of kidnappings and attacks on semi-rural communities across Nigeria.
Pattern of Insecurity Threatens Spiritual and Social Life
The Egbola mountain kidnapping is not an isolated event but a reflection of a worrying trend of insecurity that has been ravaging most parts of Nigeria. Attacks on religious gatherings, schools, highways, and farming communities have become common. These attacks not only destabilize personal lives but also age-old cultural and spiritual practices that bring people together.
In the last couple of years, several religious groups have used secluded places for retreats in the hope of achieving peace and focus in prayers. However, with the increasing risk of attacks, many are now forced to reconsider the safety of conducting such gatherings. Some clergy in the Lokoja area have already stated that they will discontinue all-night vigils or shift them to more secure, urban church premises.
Security experts are warning that if action is not taken, terrorists and criminal elements can be anticipated to continue targeting these religious centers as soft targets. The argument for a comprehensive security strategy embracing not just urban centers but also outlying areas has never been more urgent.
Search-and-Rescue Operations Continue with Heightened Urgency
Security forces—local vigilante groups being at the forefront—have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining abducted persons in the days following the attack. The undulating terrain, dense vegetation, and lack of good road access have been a great hindrance to the operation, but community volunteers are undeterred.
According to sources near the search area, teams have been scouring forests nearby and abandoned trails believed to be escape routes of the assailants. No other recoveries have been confirmed so far, but teams are hopeful that additional victims can still be retrieved alive. Drones and tracker dogs have been allegedly requested by residents to assist in the ongoing search.
Meanwhile, family members of the victims are anxiously waiting near the site for any update. Volunteers have also set up temporary shelters for the victims and have begun to send food and necessities to the rescue teams. The psychological effect is immense, but all are clinging to hope and determination to bring everyone home.
Authorities Urged to Speak and Act Swiftly
As pressure mounts, there is growing demand for the state and federal governments to break their silence and speak on the unfolding crisis. There has not been any official press release from the Kogi State Government or the Nigeria Police Force, which has drawn wide condemnation from the public and media.
Security professionals believe that a rapid, open reaction is necessary not only to calm the public but also to convey a message to potential attackers. Delayed communication, they say, merely emboldens criminals and undermines public trust in law enforcement.
GistNexus repeatedly tried to get a comment from the Kogi State Police Command but had none at the time of going to press. The silence has left residents relying on unverified reports and speculations, fueling their fear and confusion.
Stakeholders are demanding that the government issue updates, deploy more security personnel to the vulnerable areas, and commence a proper investigation into the attack.
A Nation on Edge: Worshipers Pray for Divine and Government Intervention
As the sun sets over Egbola mountain, the recollections of that fateful night linger with the survivors. The sacredness of prayer and the vulnerability of faith communities have been revealed. Prayers continue in churches and mosques across Lokoja—not just for the safe release of the abducted, but for peace, security, and justice across the land.
What began as a evening of religious fellowship has since turned into a metaphor for Nigeria’s daily struggle with insecurity. The abducted worshipers are not just a personal loss, but also a national problem that should elicit urgent attention. With the local vigilantes doing their best and people rallying in solidarity, all eyes are now on the authorities to offer leadership, security, and justice.
To the victims, their families, and the people of Lokoja, the message is simple: enough is enough. The time has arrived for a sustained, collective response to protect the sanctity of life and worship in all regions of Nigeria.
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Reported by GistNexus Team and Edited by Mr. Chibueze Onwuka