By Comfort Asemota
Armed bandits stormed the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, located in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, killing one person and abducting several worshippers.
The deceased, identified only as Jayjay, was reportedly shot during the attack. The exact number of worshippers kidnapped remains unclear as local authorities and security operatives continue to investigate and assess the situation.
This incident follows a similar attack on November 30, 2025, when gunmen invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting the cleric Orlando along with several worshippers during a service.
In that earlier case, the abductors initially demanded N500 million in ransom, later reducing it to N200 million, and issued a two-day ultimatum with unspecified consequences if their demands were not met.
The recurring attacks have raised concerns over church security and the rising threat of armed banditry in Kogi State, prompting calls for increased protection for worshippers across the region.
