LOKOJA: At least 20 worshippers were abducted on Sunday after armed men attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Sources in the community said the attackers stormed the church during an ongoing worship service, firing gunshots intermittently to instill fear and force congregants to flee. While many worshippers escaped in the ensuing panic, several others were seized by the gunmen.
The assailants reportedly escaped with their captives through nearby bush paths, leaving the once-peaceful community in a state of fear and confusion. Residents described chaotic scenes as news of the abduction spread across the area.
The incident has further heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kogi State, particularly in rural communities that have witnessed repeated attacks on residents and places of worship.
Reports had earlier said that one person, identified only as JayJay, was killed during the attack, while a number of worshippers were taken away by the gunmen.
The assault is the second reported attack on a church in Okun land within weeks, deepening anxiety among residents and worshippers in the region. On November 30, 2025, armed men invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting a cleric identified as Orlando and about 13 worshippers during a service.
In that earlier incident, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦500 million, later reducing it to ₦200 million, and issued a two-day ultimatum to the victims’ families, warning of dire consequences if their demands were not met.
Residents also recalled that Ayetoro Kiri was attacked about three weeks ago when armed men targeted a local school.
The assault was reportedly thwarted by the community vigilante group, preventing casualties and abductions.
The latest attack has renewed calls from residents for stronger security measures to protect lives, property, and places of worship across Kogi State.
