Fresh anxiety has gripped residents of Kogi State following the circulation of a disturbing video showing church worshippers abducted by suspected bandits after a deadly attack on Aiyetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
The 38-second video, which surfaced online on Tuesday, shows several abducted worshippers — including elderly men and women as well as young children — standing in what appears to be a dense forest believed to serve as the kidnappers’ hideout. The footage, shared by the online platform Egbe Mekun Parrot, has drawn widespread sympathy and outrage across social media.
The abduction occurred during a coordinated assault on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed assailants stormed the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and the Apostolic Church while worship services were ongoing. Witnesses said the attackers took advantage of the peaceful Sunday gathering, surrounding the community before launching their operation.
During the attack, a seminary graduate identified as Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, also known as J.J., was shot dead. Two other worshippers reportedly sustained injuries as congregants attempted to flee in different directions.
Residents and local sources disclosed that no fewer than 37 worshippers were abducted. Among the victims are over a dozen children aged between three and eight years, as well as more than 10 elderly persons said to be above 70 years old. Many of the victims were reportedly unable to escape due to their age and physical condition as gunmen fired shots and forced them into the surrounding bush.
The release of the hostage video has intensified fears over the captives’ welfare, with images showing visibly distressed victims standing barefoot in an overgrown forest environment. Families of the abducted worshippers have expressed deep concern over their health and safety.
Reports from the community indicate that the kidnappers have contacted local representatives, allegedly demanding ₦600 million as ransom for the release of the victims. The reported demand has heightened tension and desperation among relatives, many of whom are calling for urgent government intervention.
Following the incident, Aiyetoro Kiri has been largely deserted, as residents fled in fear of further attacks. Several families have relocated temporarily to nearby towns and villages, leaving homes and farmlands behind.
Community leaders described the attack as unprecedented, noting that the gunmen reportedly operated for hours without any resistance or timely security response. Some witnesses also alleged that certain captives were forced to return to their homes to collect cash before being taken away into the forest.
As concern continues to grow, residents, religious leaders, and civil society groups are urging the Kogi State Government and federal security agencies to urgently strengthen security in the area. The incident has once again highlighted rising insecurity in Kogi West, renewing calls for increased protection of rural communities and places of worship across the state.
