Bandits have released 17 additional worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu, Kogi State, following sustained negotiations and the payment of ransom.
The latest release came after weeks of engagement involving the abductors, families of the victims, and the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, which has been coordinating community efforts to secure the freedom of those held captive.
Reports indicated that the Kogi State Government was not involved in the negotiations or the releases recorded so far.
The worshippers were abducted on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the ECWA church during a church activity and kidnapped over 30 parishioners to an unknown location. The incident triggered widespread panic and outrage within the community and neighbouring areas.
Since the abduction, families of the victims, with the support of community leaders, have been engaged in prolonged and difficult negotiations with the kidnappers.
On January 1, 2026, seven of the abducted worshippers were released after a ransom reportedly amounting to ₦15 million was paid. However, the release was tragic, as only four victims regained freedom alive, while three were confirmed dead—two reportedly died in captivity, while one died after being rushed to a hospital following release.
Despite the setback, negotiations continued. Local platform Egbe Mekun reported that three more victims were released on Monday, January 12. This was followed by the release of 14 additional abductees on Tuesday, bringing the total number of worshippers freed so far to 24.
Community sources disclosed that 13 worshippers are still believed to be in the custody of the kidnappers.
Kogi State remained one of the states hardest hit by banditry in Nigeria, with repeated attacks resulting in deaths and abductions for ransom in recent months.
