The aftermath of the December 2025 abd¥ction at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has taken a tragic turn as three of the seven worshippers recently released from captivity reportedly d+ed shortly after regaining freedom.
The victims were part of over 38 church members made up of elderly persons, women and children who were abd¥cted on December 14, 2025, when armed b@ndits invaded the church during a worship service. The att@ckers were said to have demanded a huge ransom from the community.
READ ALSO: AFCON: Pastor Adeboye Mocks Failed Prophecy about Super Eagles’ Ademola Lookman, Urges Discernment Among Believers
According to the community spokesperson, Mr. David Ampitan, the seven victims were released at the weekend after what he described as “painful ransom payments.” He said three of them d+ed while returning from the b@ndits’ forest hideout, including an elderly woman whose body was yet to be retrieved. The four other released worshippers are currently undergoing treatment in hospital.
Ampitan decried what he called the deteriorating security situation in Bunu land, accusing relevant authorities of failing to act decisively. He appealed for urgent intervention to secure the release of the remaining 31 abd¥ctees and prevent a worsening humanitarian situation.
READ ALSO: From day one till now, church checkbook is not in our possession — Pastor Paul Enenche speaks on Church Funds
The Kogi State Government, however, said it was intensifying efforts to tackle criminal activities in the area. In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, assured residents that security agencies were actively tracking the kidn@ppers and conducting operations aimed at rescuing all those still in captivity.
Tension over insecurity also spilled onto the streets as youths in Kabba, on January 2, 2026, staged a protest by blocking the Kabba–Obajana–Lokoja highway before police intervention restored order.
READ ALSO: Lagos Police To Invite Pastor Chris Okafor for Questioning Over S+x Sc@ndal Allegations
About The Author
More Stories
Court orders British government to pay £420m to families of 21 Enugu coal miners k!ll€d by colonial masters
Viral Jet Video is AI Generated — Sen. Oshiomhole’s Media Team
I Want To Be A Role Model For Young Girls – First Lady, Remi Tinubu