In a devastating turn of events, three of the seven worshippers recently released after a harrowing abduction from a church in Kogi State have tragically passed away. The victims were part of a larger group seized by bandits in a brazen attack that has highlighted the deepening security crisis in the region.
Details of the Church Attack and Abduction
The incident traces back to December 14, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro-Kiri, located within the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The assailants invaded during a service, capturing over 38 worshippers. The group included elderly congregants, women, and children, plunging the community into anguish.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers issued a demand for millions of naira in ransom for the release of the captives. After weeks of uncertainty and negotiation, a breakthrough seemed to arrive last weekend when seven of the abductees were released. However, this relief was short-lived and marred by profound tragedy.
A Bitter Freedom and Community Outcry
Mr. David Ampitan, the spokesperson for the affected community, confirmed that the seven individuals were freed only after what he described as "painful ransom payments." The joy of their return, however, swiftly turned to mourning.
Ampitan disclosed that three of the freed victims died shortly after their release. Among the deceased was an elderly woman whose body, he lamented, has not yet been recovered from the bush. The remaining four freed persons are currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital, fighting for their health and survival.
The community spokesperson did not mince words, accusing authorities of negligence and lamenting the worsening state of insecurity in Bunu land. He issued an urgent plea for intervention to secure the release of the remaining 31 abductees still in captivity and to avert a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
Government Response and Public Protest
In response to the incident and the growing public anger, the Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling criminal elements. The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, stated in a release that security agencies are actively tracking the perpetrators and conducting operations aimed at rescuing all remaining captives.
Meanwhile, the frustration of the local populace has spilled onto the streets. On January 2, 2026, youths from Kabba staged a protest against the rising insecurity. They blocked the crucial Kabba–Obajana–Lokoja highway to voice their grievances before police personnel moved in to disperse the demonstration.
This tragic episode underscores a critical and persistent challenge in the region, where communities feel besieged and demand more decisive action from both state and federal security apparatuses to restore safety and order.
