No fewer than 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.
Local sources said the attackers stormed the church while a worship session was ongoing, firing sporadically to create panic among congregants.
Many worshippers reportedly fled the scene, while an undisclosed number were seized by the assailants, who later escaped through nearby bush paths.
The attack threw the otherwise quiet community into chaos, with residents describing widespread fear and confusion as the incident unfolded.
The abduction has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kogi State, where repeated attacks on rural communities and places of worship have left residents increasingly anxious and calling for stronger security measures.
SaharaReporters earlier on Sunday reported that one person, identified only as JayJay, was killed during the attack, while several worshippers were reportedly abducted.
This incident marked the second attack on a church in Okun land within weeks, heightening fears among residents and worshippers across the area.
A recent incident occurred on November 30, 2025, when armed men stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting the cleric identified Orlando and about 13 worshippers during a service.
The attackers initially demanded ₦500 million in ransom, later reducing it to ₦200 million, giving the victims’ families a two-day ultimatum and warning of unspecified “consequences” if the demand was not met.
Residents also recalled that the Ayetoro Kiri community came under attack about three weeks ago, when armed assailants targeted a local school.
On that occasion, the community vigilante group reportedly repelled the attackers, preventing casualties and abductions.
