The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Kabba/Bunu Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has ordered the suspension of all church activities in the area until further notice.
The decision follows a series of security concerns, including recent attacks on churches and the discovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition by security operatives in the state.
A notice issued by the CAN Coordinator in Kabba/Bunu LGA, Rev. Kayode Osatuyi, and obtained by PUNCH Online on Friday, stated that the resolution was reached during a meeting held at the monarch’s palace involving traditional rulers and church leaders.
According to the notice, the suspension was based on credible security reports indicating threats and attacks by bandits on churches within the community. Osatuyi explained that the directive was issued after consultations with the state leadership of CAN and urged all churches in the area to comply in the interest of public safety.
He also appealed to Christians to continue praying for peace in Kabba/Bunu land, assuring that churches would be informed when it was safe to resume services.
The development comes amid heightened security operations in Kogi State, where the government recently announced the recovery of weapons from criminal hideouts during joint security raids. Authorities had also warned worship centres, particularly those located in remote or vulnerable areas, to exercise caution following attacks on churches.
In recent weeks, a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the area was attacked, while another incident occurred at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Kiri, where worshippers were reportedly killed. In the most recent case, bandits allegedly attacked a church during Sunday service and abducted several worshippers.
The suspension of church activities is seen as a temporary measure aimed at protecting lives as security agencies intensify efforts to restore peace in the area.
