Several worshippers were abducted on Sunday, December 14, 2025, after terrorists attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Local sources said the attackers invaded the church while a worship service was in progress, firing shots sporadically to intimidate congregants and trigger panic.
Although many worshippers managed to flee the premises, an unspecified number were reportedly captured by the terrorists, who later escaped through surrounding bush paths.
The incident plunged the normally calm community into turmoil, with residents recounting moments of fear, confusion and distress as the attack unfolded.
The abduction has intensified concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kogi State, where recurring attacks on rural communities and places of worship have heightened anxiety and renewed calls for enhanced security measures.
Earlier on Sunday, a report obtained by Politics Nigeria said one person, identified simply as JayJay, was killed during the attack, while several worshippers were taken away by the terrorists.
The incident was the second attack on a church in Okun land within a few weeks, further escalating fears among residents and worshippers in the area.
A similar attack was recorded on November 30, 2025, when terrorists stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting a cleric identified as Orlando and about 13 worshippers during a church service.
The attackers were said to have initially demanded ₦500 million as ransom before reducing the sum to ₦200 million, issuing a two-day ultimatum and threatening unspecified “consequences” if the demand was not met.
Residents also recalled that Ayetoro Kiri had come under attack about three weeks earlier, when terrorists targeted a local school. On that occasion, the community’s vigilante group reportedly repelled the assailants, preventing casualties and abductions.
