At least 20 worshippers were abducted on Sunday, December 14, 2025, after gunmen attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to local sources, the assailants stormed the church during a service, firing sporadically to create panic. Many congregants fled, while the gunmen seized an undisclosed number of worshippers before escaping through nearby bush paths.
The attack has thrown the community into fear and confusion, highlighting growing insecurity in Kogi State, where rural communities and places of worship have increasingly been targeted.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that one person, identified only as JayJay, was killed during the incident. This marks the second attack on a church in Okun land in recent weeks. On November 30, 2025, armed men abducted the cleric Orlando and about 13 worshippers from a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA, demanding a ransom that was later reduced from ₦500 million to ₦200 million.
Residents also recalled an earlier attack in Ayetoro Kiri, about three weeks prior, when armed assailants targeted a local school. On that occasion, the community vigilante group reportedly repelled the attackers, preventing casualties and abductions.
Authorities have yet to release official statements regarding the ongoing investigation or efforts to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
