Gunmen kidnap RCCG pastor while he is preaching at the pulpit in Kogi State capital

ARMED gunmen have abducted a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor from his church in Lokoja where he was preaching at the pulpit and whisked him off to an unknown location demanding a N50m ransom for his release.

 

In what is now becoming a trend in Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Raphael was kidnapped during the Sunday service at the Resurrection Parish of the RCCG in Kabba Junction in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. According to eyewitnesses, the kidnappers, numbering about 10, stormed the church auditorium at about 9am and ordered the congregation to lie face down.

 

One eyewitness said: “The pastor was dragged out of the church into the bush while the abductors shot sporadically into the air to facilitate their escape.”

 

Although no lives were lost, many members of the congregation were said to have sustained injuries as a result of their scampering for safety as the kidnappers were shooting into the air. Kogi State Police Command spokesman William Aya, said he had yet to be briefed about the incident but will look into the matter when informed.