Kogi Church Kidnapping: Terrorists Free Final Six Abductees After Weeks of Negotiations

The final six people abducted during a deadly attack on a church in Kogi State have been released, bringing an end to weeks of fear and uncertainty for families and residents of Aiyetoro-Kiri community in Bunu land.

The release was confirmed on Wednesday by the Aiyetoro-Kiri Bunu Development Association (AKBDA), which said the victims regained their freedom after prolonged negotiations that included the payment of ransom.

The abductions followed an attack on 14 December 2025, when suspected bandits stormed a branch of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro-Kiri, located in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. At least one person was killed during the raid, while several worshippers were taken away by the attackers.

According to AKBDA, the captives were freed in phases over several weeks. Seven abductees were released on 1 January 2026, followed by three others on 12 January. Fourteen more victims were freed the next day, leaving the final six in captivity until their release this week.

“With the return of the last group, all those taken during the attack are now safely back with their families,” the association said.

AKBDA described the episode as deeply traumatic for the community, noting that the prolonged captivity of the victims had cast a shadow over daily life in the area.

The group expressed gratitude to God for the safe return of all the abductees and thanked families, community members and well-wishers for their support and resilience throughout the ordeal.

The incident adds to growing concerns over attacks on places of worship and rural communities in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have continued to pose serious security challenges.