Bandits Attack ECWA Church in Kogi, Kill One, Abduct Worshippers

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Armed bandits on Sunday, December 14, 2025, attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one person and reportedly abducting several worshippers.

The victim, identified only as Jayjay, was said to have been killed during the assault. As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of worshippers taken away by the attackers had not been confirmed, as security agencies and local authorities were still assessing the situation.

The incident is the second attack on a church in Okun land within weeks, raising fresh fears among residents and worshippers in the area.

On November 30, 2025, gunmen had stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting a cleric identified as Orlando and several worshippers during a service.

In that earlier attack, the assailants reportedly demanded a ransom of N500 million, which was later reduced to N200 million, issuing a two-day ultimatum to the victims’ families and threatening unspecified consequences if the demand was not met.

Residents also recalled that Ayetoro Kiri was attacked about three weeks ago when armed men targeted a local school. On that occasion, members of the community vigilante group reportedly repelled the attackers, preventing casualties and abductions.

The latest assaults has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Okun land, with residents calling for urgent intervention by security agencies and the Kogi State Government to safeguard lives and prevent further attacks.