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 ordered the suspension of all church activities in the area until further notice.
The directive followed a series of security breaches in the community, 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, and sighted by PUNCH Online on Friday, said the decision was reached during a meeting held at the monarch’s palace with 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 said the directive was issued after consultation with the state leadership of CAN, urging all churches in the area to comply in the interest of public safety.
He also called for continuous prayers for peace in Kabba/Bunu land, adding that churches would be informed when it was safe to resume activities.
PUNCH Online reports that the Kogi State Government recently announced the discovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts following a joint security operation across parts of the state.
The government had also warned worship centres, especially those located on the outskirts of towns, to reconsider holding services in crime-prone areas following attacks on churches.
Last month, a Cherubim and Seraphim Church was attacked in the area, while another attack was recorded on Sunday at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Kiri, where two worshippers were reportedly killed.
During the latest incident, bandits reportedly attacked the church during a Sunday service and abducted about 20 worshippers.
