The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Kabba/Bunu Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has directed the suspension of all church activities in the area until further notice.
The decision followed a wave of security concerns, including recent attacks on churches and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition by security operatives in the state.
A notice issued by the Coordinator of CAN in Kabba/Bunu LGA, Rev. Kayode Osatuyi, on Friday, said the resolution was taken during a meeting held at the monarch’s palace involving traditional rulers and church leaders.
The notice read in part, “Following the directive from the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman Kabba Bunu traditional council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, at the meeting held with traditional rulers, church leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria Kabba/ Bunu LGA at his palace where he gave a directive on the closure of all church services till further notice upon credible security report on attack by the bandits to our churches.”
Osatuyi explained that the directive followed consultations with the state leadership of CAN, urging churches in the area to comply with the order in the interest of public safety.
He also appealed for continued prayers for peace in Kabba/Bunu land, noting that churches would be notified when it was considered safe to resume activities.
Recall that the Kogi State Government recently announced the discovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition at criminal hideouts after a joint security operation across parts of the state.
The government had also cautioned worship centres, particularly those located on the outskirts of towns, to reconsider holding services in areas identified as crime-prone following repeated attacks on churches.
Last month, a Cherubim and Seraphim Church was attacked in the area, while another incident occurred on Sunday at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Kiri, where two worshippers were reportedly killed.
During the latest attack, bandits were said to have stormed the church during a Sunday service and abducted about 20 worshippers.
(PUNCH)
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