Tension as gunmen strike again in Kogi, abduct worshippers mid-service

No fewer than 20 worshippers were abducted on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when gunmen attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Local sources said the assailants stormed the church while a worship session was ongoing, firing sporadically into the air to cause panic among congregants.

As worshippers fled in different directions, the attackers reportedly seized an undisclosed number of people before escaping through surrounding bush paths.

The attack plunged the usually peaceful community into chaos, with residents recounting scenes of fear, confusion and desperation as the incident unfolded.

The abduction has further heightened concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kogi State, particularly rural communities where repeated attacks on residents, schools and places of worship have become increasingly frequent.

Very Nigerian had earlier reported that one person, identified simply as JayJay, was killed during the attack, while several worshippers were taken away by the gunmen.

The incident is the second church attack recorded in Okun land within weeks, deepening anxiety among residents and worshippers across the area.

On November 30, 2025, armed men reportedly invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting a cleric identified as Orlando alongside about 13 worshippers during a church service.

In that earlier incident, the attackers were said to have demanded an initial ransom of ₦500 million, later reduced to ₦200 million, giving the families of the victims a two-day ultimatum and warning of unspecified consequences if the demand was not met.

Residents also recalled that Ayetoro Kiri was attacked about three weeks ago when gunmen targeted a local school.

On that occasion, the community vigilante group reportedly repelled the attackers, preventing casualties and abductions.

The latest attack has renewed calls for urgent and decisive security intervention to protect vulnerable communities and places of worship across Kogi State.

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