Armed men kill pastor in Yagba West, hours after farmer’s death |

A pastor has been killed by suspected armed bandits in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victim, identified as Pastor Gideon, a Hausa cleric and secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the area, was reportedly attacked on Sunday afternoon after visiting his cashew farm on the outskirts of the community.

Residents said the assailants ambushed him at the farm and shot him dead. A locally made firearm said to belong to the pastor was also destroyed during the attack.

An eyewitness told local media that the attackers fled the scene shortly afterwards.

The incident occurred less than 24 hours after another man, Joseph Jones, from Odo-Eri in the same local government area, was reportedly killed by armed bandits while returning from a cashew farm. A companion who was with him at the time of the attack is said to be missing.

Community members say the latest killings have heightened fears among farmers in Yagba West, where at least seven people have reportedly been attacked in recent weeks.

Residents have called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Kogi State Government to strengthen security in the area and curb the rising violence targeting farming communities.