The entire Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State has been thrown into chaos as traditional and religious leaders abruptly suspended all church activities, citing “security threats.” The Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, and the local Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have ordered an indefinite halt to church gatherings, leaving thousands of worshippers stranded and fearful.
This sweeping ban comes after a string of violent incidents, including armed attacks on churches and the sensational discovery of a massive arms cache by security forces. The community is now gripped by fear, with leaders scrambling to hold emergency meetings and issue directives that have upended daily life.
The announcement, delivered by Rev. Kayode Osatuyi, CAN Coordinator for Kabba/Bunu, followed a closed-door meeting at the Obaro’s palace. The gathering, shrouded in secrecy, included traditional rulers and church representatives, all desperate to respond to the escalating violence.
According to Rev. Osatuyi, the decision to shut down churches was based on “credible intelligence” of imminent attacks. The official statement, echoing the Obaro’s orders, left no room for negotiation: all church services are to be suspended until further notice. The message is clear,no one is safe, and the threat is real.
CAN leadership insists the move was made after “due consultation,” but critics are already questioning whether enough is being done to protect the community. Rev. Osatuyi urged total compliance, warning that anyone defying the order would be putting lives at risk. The call for prayer and unity, while well-intentioned, does little to calm the growing anxiety among residents.
This drastic action follows recent security operations in Kogi State, where authorities claim to have uncovered large stashes of weapons in criminal hideouts. The state government has issued stern warnings to worship centres, especially those in remote areas, to stay vigilant or risk becoming the next target.
The fear is not unfounded. In just the past month, Kabba/Bunu has been rocked by a series of brutal attacks. A Cherubim and Seraphim Church was stormed, and the Evangelical Church Winning All in Kiri suffered a deadly assault that left two worshippers dead. In the most shocking incident yet, bandits invaded a Sunday service and reportedly abducted around 20 people, sending shockwaves through the entire region.
Now, community leaders and security agencies are scrambling to restore order, but the suspension of church activities has left many feeling abandoned and vulnerable. While officials claim this is a “necessary step,” the reality is that the community is left in limbo, with no clear end in sight.
As Kabba/Bunu residents wait anxiously for a return to normalcy, leaders continue to urge vigilance and prayer. But with churches closed and fear at an all-time high, many are left wondering: is enough being done to protect the people, or is this just another case of leaders making bold moves while ordinary citizens pay the price?
