24 Worshippers Kidnapped in Kogi Freed

Twenty-four churchgoers abducted from a branch of ECWA Church located in Àyetoro-Kiri within the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi state last month have regained their freedom.

On December 14, 2025, armed men, believed to be bandits, invaded the church and kidnapped approximately 37 worshippers.

The victims included elderly women, men, and teenagers who were taken during the assault.

Since the occurrence, local community leaders along with the families of the abductees have been in discussions with the kidnappers in hopes of securing their release.

According to Daniel Friday, a youth leader in the community, 17 of the kidnapped worshippers were freed on Tuesday to reunite with their families.

A community source, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned, "On January 1, 2026, seven of the captives were released following extensive negotiations and a significant sum of money, amounting to millions, paid to their captors."

"Out of those seven, four were set free alive, while three were confirmed dead; two of them died before being released, and one passed away in the hospital while receiving treatment."

"Afterward, negotiations resumed, resulting in the liberation of three additional victims on Monday, December 12, 2026, and another fourteen on Tuesday, December 13, 2026, making it a total of 24 released from the initial 37."

The community source added that the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, in cooperation with the affected families, was instrumental in securing the release of the kidnapped individuals.

Furthermore, the source stated, "This latest release brings a renewed sense of hope to our community, although it has involved a heavy financial toll," referring to the situation as a "painful sacrifice of considerable resources."

The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association has emphasized its determination to ensure the remaining 13 captives are also freed and has appealed for ongoing support and prayers from the public.

Residents of the area on Wednesday called for immediate assistance to help secure the safe return of those who are still held by their captors.

Attempts to verify this development with the Kogi State Police Command and the state government were unsuccessful as messages and calls were not returned at the time of this report.

Meanwhile, local reports indicate that steps are being taken to transport the freed parishioners to a hospital in Kabba for medical care.