Additional 17 Kidnapped Kogi ECWA Members Released

Bandits have reportedly released additional 17 worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri in Kaba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State.

According to a source in the community, the development followed weeks of negotiations by their relatives and alleged payment of additional ransom by the community and families of the victims.

The source, who confided in our correspondent, said: “Yes, I can confirm that additional 17 persons have been released. I can also tell you that more ransom was paid.”

The worshippers were abducted during their Sunday Service on December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the ECWA Church and whisked away over 30 worshippers.

Reca that last week the people of Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, disclosed that three of their people abducted have died, while four were hospitalised, adding that about 30 persons were still in captivity.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Community Spokesperson, David Ampitan, on Saturday and made available to newsmen in Lokoja.

“Recently, scores of residents were abducted by bandits. After painful ransom payment raised through communal contributions, only seven victims were released. Sadly, three of them were already dead on arrival, while four others are currently battling for their lives in critical condition at medical facilities. About thirty innocent citizens remain in captivity, their fate uncertain.

“This tragic development underscores the complete failure of security governance in the area. Rather than protect vulnerable communities or pursue the perpetrators, the Kogi State Government, acting through the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government, allegedly responded by tear-gassing and arresting peaceful protesters who were merely demanding safety, justice, and the rescue of their loved ones.

“We hereby appeal, urgently, to the Federal Government of Nigeria, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to intervene decisively in Ayetoro-Kiri and the entire Bunu district. Immediate action must be taken to rescue those still in captivity, restore security, and hold accountable all officials who enable or ignore this humanitarian tragedy.”