Church activities have been suspended indefinitely in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State following a wave of violent attacks linked to banditry and growing security concerns in the community.

The decision was jointly taken by the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Kabba/Bunu Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the local government area. The move, according to community leaders, is a temporary but necessary step aimed at protecting lives and preventing further bloodshed.

The directive was issued after an emergency meeting held at the monarch’s palace, where traditional rulers and church leaders reviewed recent security reports and disturbing incidents affecting places of worship. A notice signed by the CAN Coordinator in Kabba/Bunu LGA, Rev. Kayode Osatuyi, confirmed that all church services and activities are to remain suspended until further notice.

According to the notice, the decision followed credible intelligence reports indicating increased threats to churches in the area. Osatuyi explained that the suspension was agreed upon after consultations with the state leadership of CAN, stressing that the safety of worshippers must take priority over regular activities.

The development comes amid heightened tension in Kogi State after security agencies uncovered a large cache of arms and ammunition hidden by criminal elements during joint operations across parts of the state. Authorities believe the discovery points to the presence of organised criminal networks capable of carrying out coordinated attacks.

In recent weeks, Kabba/Bunu communities have witnessed a series of violent incidents targeting churches. Last month, gunmen attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the area. More recently, an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) church in Kiri was attacked during a Sunday service, resulting in the death of two worshippers. In another incident, bandits reportedly stormed a church during worship and abducted about 20 congregants, sending shockwaves through the community.

The Kogi State Government has since warned worship centres, particularly those located on the outskirts of towns and in isolated areas, to reconsider holding services in locations vulnerable to attacks. Security agencies have also intensified patrols and surveillance in affected communities as part of efforts to restore calm.

While announcing the suspension, CAN leaders urged Christians in the area to remain calm and law-abiding, calling for continuous prayers for peace and security in Kabba/Bunu land. They assured worshippers that churches would be informed immediately once it is considered safe to resume activities.

Community leaders described the decision as painful but unavoidable, noting that the preservation of life must come first. Many residents, though worried about the implications for religious life, expressed support for the move, saying it reflects the seriousness of the security threat and the need for collective vigilance.

As investigations and security operations continue, residents of Kabba/Bunu now wait anxiously for a return to normalcy, hoping that sustained efforts by authorities will bring lasting peace to the troubled community.