RCCG Pastor Faturoti Olaniyi Abducted in Karu, Nasarawa: Gunmen Strike in Midnight Raid, Search Ongoing
In a shocking and distressing incident that has rocked the community of Karu in Nasarawa State, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Faturoti Olaniyi, was abducted from his residence by unidentified gunmen during the early hours of Wednesday, June 24, 2025.
The incident, which occurred at the RCCG property located near Bristol Academy in the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) area of Karu, has raised significant concerns about the rising wave of insecurity, especially targeting religious leaders and peaceful communities in Nigeria. The kidnapping has triggered a flurry of reactions from the local population, the church community, and security operatives who are currently combing the area in search of the abducted clergyman.
Midnight Invasion: How It Happened
According to multiple sources and eyewitness accounts, the kidnapping took place around 1:30 AM on Wednesday. The attackers reportedly stormed the RCCG residential property in a commando-style operation. They shot sporadically into the air to scare residents and then forcefully broke into Pastor Olaniyi’s home.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who is known for tracking terrorism and kidnapping incidents across Nigeria, confirmed the details of the event. In a statement released shortly after the incident, Makama said:
“The attackers entered the building at around 1:30 in the morning, fired several shots, and then took the victim away to an unidentified location.”
The gunmen, whose identities and motives remain unclear at the time of writing this report, operated unhindered for several minutes. This gave them enough time to intimidate the neighborhood and ensure there was no immediate resistance or confrontation before escaping with their captive.
Fear and Panic Among Residents
Residents in the FHA area of Karu were thrown into chaos and fear. Many reportedly fled their homes temporarily while the gunmen operated freely. The loud gunshots and commotion in the dead of the night caused widespread panic. According to reports gathered from local sources:
“Residents fled for their lives as the gunmen operated for several minutes without encountering any immediate opposition, causing panic in the area.”
Several families took shelter in nearby homes or lay flat on the ground to avoid being caught in the crossfire or becoming secondary targets. The incident has once again exposed the vulnerability of suburban and semi-urban areas in Nasarawa State to violent crimes.
Community Response: Security Forces and Vigilantes Launch Manhunt
In immediate response to the abduction, a joint operation was launched by security agencies. This includes the Nigerian Police Force, local vigilante groups, traditional hunters, and other community-based security actors. Their mission: to locate and rescue Pastor Faturoti Olaniyi.
These teams quickly mobilized and blocked all possible exit points in and around Karu. Particular attention has been given to surrounding bushes, forest paths, and mountainous terrains—areas often used by criminals to evade capture.
The search operation is intense and ongoing. As of the latest update:
“The victim is still in captivity, and search and rescue efforts are still underway as of the time this report was filed.”
Security operatives are appealing to residents for any useful information that could lead to the successful rescue of the kidnapped pastor and the arrest of the perpetrators.
Rising Concerns Over Clergy Kidnappings in Nigeria
This incident is part of a troubling trend where religious leaders, especially Christian pastors and Muslim clerics, have increasingly become targets of abduction. Their perceived influence and sometimes assumed access to financial resources make them appealing targets for ransom-seeking criminals.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God, a globally renowned Christian denomination headquartered in Nigeria, has expressed concern over the safety of its pastors and congregants. RCCG has in the past called for stronger security mechanisms, especially in volatile regions.
This latest abduction is a wake-up call for both church authorities and government agencies to reinforce security in areas where religious institutions operate, especially during nighttime when such attacks are most likely to occur.
Insecurity in Nasarawa and the Middle Belt: A Growing Crisis
The Middle Belt region of Nigeria, which includes Nasarawa State, has seen a disturbing rise in criminal activity ranging from farmer-herder conflicts, armed robbery, banditry, and kidnappings. Karu, which is situated near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has not been immune to these issues, despite its proximity to national security agencies in Abuja.
Experts have warned that without effective policing, community surveillance, and better rural-urban intelligence sharing, such incidents will continue to plague the region.
Speaking to NaijaRush, a local activist from Karu who chose to remain anonymous said:
“This is not the first time criminals are terrorizing this community. We have complained several times. If a pastor can be kidnapped in such a well-populated area, then nobody is safe anymore.”
The Role of Community Vigilantes in Bridging Security Gaps
One of the few rays of hope in the ongoing search for Pastor Olaniyi is the active participation of local vigilante groups. In many Nigerian communities, especially where formal security structures are weak or overwhelmed, vigilante groups and traditional hunters have played a key role in resisting criminal gangs.
These community-based security outfits know the terrain intimately and can often react faster than conventional police units. However, experts caution that these groups must work under clear legal frameworks and cooperate with government forces to avoid misuse of power or possible human rights violations.
What Happens Next? Ongoing Search and Need for Support
As the manhunt intensifies, Pastor Faturoti Olaniyi's family, congregation, and fellow pastors are hoping and praying for his safe return. Many have taken to social media, urging the public to keep the clergyman in their prayers and to avoid spreading false information that could jeopardize rescue efforts.
Security analysts suggest that time is of the essence. The first 72 hours after a kidnapping are often the most critical in determining whether the victim will be rescued unharmed.
So far, there has been no official statement from the Nasarawa State Police Command regarding whether the abductors have made contact or demanded a ransom.
Conclusion: Nigeria's Ongoing Battle With Insecurity
The abduction of Pastor Faturoti Olaniyi is yet another stark reminder of the growing insecurity across Nigeria. It underlines the urgent need for improved security infrastructure, better intelligence gathering, and a more coordinated approach to tackling crime—especially in regions surrounding the capital city.
Until decisive steps are taken by both federal and state governments, communities like Karu will remain vulnerable to such criminal operations. For now, all eyes are on the joint rescue teams combing through the forests and hills of Nasarawa, with the collective hope that Pastor Olaniyi will return home safely.
