AIYETORO KIRI, KOGI STATE — The last six abducted members of First ECWA Aiyetoro Kiri have been released by terrorists, locally described as bandits, ending weeks of captivity following ransom payments and intense negotiations.
The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association (AKBDA) confirmed the release on Wednesday, calling it the conclusion of a “long, traumatic ordeal” for the victims, their families, and the wider community.
The abductees were taken during an attack on the community on December 14, 2025. Their release completes a phased process that began earlier this year:
-
January 1, 2026: First batch of seven abductees freed.
-
January 12, 2026: Three more released.
-
January 13, 2026: Fourteen individuals regained freedom.
-
Latest release: Final six abductees returned safely.
According to AKBDA, securing the freedom of all victims required substantial financial contributions from families, community members, and sympathisers, alongside continuous negotiations under challenging circumstances.
The association expressed gratitude to God, the abductees’ families, local residents, friends of the community, and media organisations that helped keep public attention on the crisis and amplified calls for the victims’ release.
AKBDA also urged authorities to strengthen security in Aiyetoro Kiri and the broader Bunu land, stressing the need for decisive measures to prevent future attacks.
