No fewer than 20 worshippers were abducted during a Kogi church abduction on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when bandits attacked First ECWA Church, Ayetoro Kiri.
The Kogi church abduction happened while a worship session was ongoing in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, sending shockwaves through the quiet community.
Bandits attack church during service
Local sources said the attackers stormed the church during prayers and fired shots to create fear among worshippers.
The gunfire caused panic as many congregants fled, while the gunmen seized several worshippers during the Kogi church abduction.
Witnesses said the attackers escaped through nearby bush paths, leaving confusion and fear behind.
Community gripped by fear
Residents described chaos across Ayetoro Kiri as news of the Kogi church abduction spread through the community.
The incident has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in Kogi State, especially in rural areas.
Many residents are now calling for stronger security following repeated attacks linked to the Kogi church abduction trend.
Casualty and previous attacks
SaharaReporters reported that one person, identified as JayJay, was killed during the Kogi church abduction, while several worshippers were taken away.
The attack was the second church assault in Okun land within weeks, deepening fear among worshippers.
On November 30, 2025, gunmen attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, abducting a cleric and about 13 worshippers.
The attackers demanded ₦500 million ransom, later reduced to ₦200 million, with a two-day ultimatum and warnings of “consequences”.
Residents recalled another attack three weeks earlier when gunmen targeted a local school in Ayetoro Kiri.
The community vigilante group reportedly repelled the attackers, preventing deaths and abductions during that incident.