Kogi Community Facilitates Freedom of 17 Abducted Church Worshippers

The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, in collaboration with the families of those affected, has successfully secured the release of 17 additional worshippers abducted during an attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The association disclosed that 14 of the victims regained their freedom on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, after sustained negotiations with the kidnappers, while three others were released earlier on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Recounting the incident, the association explained that over 30 worshippers were kidnapped on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the First ECWA Church during a church service. The attackers reportedly killed at least one person, identified as a seminary graduate, and abducted children, elderly members, and other congregants.
The assault marked the third major security breach in the community in 2025, highlighting the growing insecurity in the Bunu District of Kogi State.
According to the association, previous negotiations had led to the release of seven victims on January 1, 2026, comprising four survivors and three deceased persons, after prolonged talks and the payment of a ₦15 million ransom.
“With this latest development, a total of 24 people have been released so far,” the association stated, adding that efforts are continuing to secure the freedom of those still being held.
“Even as we persist in working towards the release of our people, our prayer and hope remain that all those in captivity will return home safely,” the statement added.
The association expressed concern over the enormous financial strain placed on the community, noting that the releases were achieved at significant cost due to minimal external assistance. It was revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded as much as ₦600 million as ransom.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, Aledare Jide Sunday, MASN, the group said the latest releases have brought much-needed relief to families who endured weeks of fear, uncertainty, and emotional distress.
Despite the progress recorded, the association renewed its appeal for enhanced security measures to curb further attacks on rural communities across Kogi West, stressing that sustained and decisive government intervention is urgently required to address the persistent threat of banditry.