More than 20 worshippers were kidnapped on Sunday, December 14, 2025, after armed gunmen attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, plunging the community into fear and chaos.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the church while a worship session was in progress, firing shots indiscriminately to intimidate congregants. The gunfire triggered panic, forcing many worshippers to flee, while several others were seized by the attackers.
After the abduction, the gunmen reportedly escaped through nearby bush paths, leaving the once-peaceful community in shock. Residents described scenes of confusion and terror as families searched for missing loved ones.
The attack has further intensified concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kogi State, particularly in rural communities where places of worship have increasingly become targets.
Earlier reports confirmed that one person, identified simply as JayJay, was killed during the attack, while several worshippers were taken away by the assailants.
This incident is the second church attack recorded in Okun land in recent weeks. On November 30, 2025, gunmen invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting a cleric identified as Orlando and about 13 worshippers during a church service.
In that earlier attack, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦500 million, later reducing it to ₦200 million, and issued a two-day ultimatum to the victims’ families.
Residents also recalled that Ayetoro Kiri came under attack about three weeks ago when armed men targeted a local school. The assault was reportedly repelled by the community vigilante group, preventing casualties and abductions.
The latest church attack has renewed calls from residents for urgent and stronger security measures to protect lives and places of worship across the region.
