Seventeen worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu, Kogi State, have regained their freedom following weeks of negotiations and the payment of ransom.
The latest release marks another phase in the ongoing effort by families and community leaders to secure the freedom of those kidnapped during a church activity in December 2025.
HOW THE LATEST RELEASE HAPPENED
Community sources confirmed that negotiations were coordinated by the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, which has been leading discussions with the abductors on behalf of affected families.
According to reports, the Kogi State Government was not involved in the negotiations or in any of the releases recorded so far.
HOW THE ABDUCTION OCCURRED
The worshippers were kidnapped on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the ECWA church during a church programme and abducted over 30 parishioners, taking them to an unknown location.
The attack triggered panic and outrage across the community and nearby towns, forcing families to rely largely on local structures and negotiations to save their loved ones.
EARLIER RELEASES — AND TRAGEDY
On January 1, 2026, seven worshippers were released after a ransom reportedly valued at ₦15 million was paid.
However, the relief was short-lived:
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Only four were freed alive
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Three victims died
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Two reportedly died in captivity
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One died after being rushed to the hospital following release
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Despite the tragedy, negotiations continued.
On January 12, three more victims were released, followed by the release of 14 additional worshippers on Tuesday — bringing the total number freed so far to 24.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
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Total abducted: Over 30
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Total released: 24
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Still in captivity: 13 worshippers
Community members say efforts are ongoing to secure the release of those still being held.
KOGI’S GROWING SECURITY CRISIS
Kogi State has emerged as one of the states hardest hit by banditry and kidnapping in recent months. Armed groups have carried out repeated attacks on rural communities, targeting civilians for ransom and leaving families devastated.
The ECWA abduction is now one of several high-profile cases highlighting the deepening insecurity across parts of the state and the heavy reliance on community-led negotiations in the absence of swift intervention.
