24 abducted Kogi worshippers regain freedom

24 parishioners abducted from a branch of ECWA Church at Àyetoro-Kiri in Kabba/ Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi state last month have regained freedom.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the Church on December 14, 2025, and kidnapped about 37 parishioners.

The victims including elderly women, men and teenagers were abducted during the raid.

Since the incident, the community leaders and the families of the victims have been engaging their abductors to secure their release.

According to the community youth leader, Daniel Friday, 17 of the abducted parishioners were released on Tuesday to reunite with their families.

A source from the community, who sought anonymity said, “On January 1, 2026, seven of the abductees were released after prolonged negotiations and the payment of a huge sum of money,  running into millions to their assailants .

“Of the seven, four were released alive, while three were confirmed dead; two died before release and one died in the hospital, while receiving treatment.

“Thereafter, negotiations continued, leading to the release of three more victims on Monday, December 12, 2026, and a further 14 victims on Tuesday, December 13, 2026, bringing the number of released abducted parishioners to 24 out of 37.”

The source further hinted that the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, working alongside the affected families, secured the release of the abducted parishioners.

The source from the community added, “The latest release brings renewed hope to the community, though it came at significant financial cost”, describing the process as involving a “painful sacrifice of huge resources.”

The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association reaffirmed its commitment to securing the freedom of the remaining 13 abductees, calling for continued prayers and support from the public.

Residents of the community on Wednesday appealed for urgent assistance to ensure the safe return of those still being held by their assailants.

Efforts made to confirm the development from Kogi state police command and the state government were unsuccessful as our inquiries in both text message and calls were not responded to as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, according to report from the community, arrangements are underway to ferry the released parishioners to a hospital in Kabba for medical attention.

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