Following the December 2025 abduction at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, three of the seven worshippers who were recently freed have tragically passed away shortly after their release.
These individuals were among over 38 church members, including elderly people, women, and children, who were taken hostage on December 14, 2025, when armed bandits attacked the church during a service.
The assailants reportedly demanded a significant ransom from the community.
A spokesperson for the community, M. David Ampitan stated that the seven victims were released over the weekend after what he described as “painful ransom payments.”
He noted that three of them died while returning from the bandits’ hideout, including an elderly woman whose body has not yet been recovered.
The remaining four released worshippers are currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
Ampitan expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Bunu land, accusing local authorities of failing to take effective action.
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He called for urgent measures to secure the release of the remaining 31 abductees and to prevent a further humanitarian crisis.
In response, the Kogi State government announced that it is intensifying efforts to combat criminal activities in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, assured residents that security agencies are actively pursuing the kidnappers and conducting operations to rescue those still held captive.
Tensions regarding insecurity also erupted on the streets, as youths in Kabba protested on January 2, 2026, by blocking the Kabba-Obajana-Lokoja highway until police intervened to restore order.
