Suspected terrorists, believed to be bandits, have released 17 additional worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu, in Kogi State, following sustained negotiations and the payment of ransom.
The latest release comes weeks after intensive engagements involving families of the victims and the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, which has been coordinating community-led efforts to secure the freedom of the abducted worshippers.
Community sources disclosed that the Kogi State Government was not involved in the negotiations or in the releases recorded so far.
The worshippers were abducted on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the ECWA church during a church activity and carted away more than 30 parishioners to an undisclosed location.
The attack triggered widespread panic and outrage within the community and neighbouring settlements.
Since the incident, families of the victims, working closely with community leaders, have been engaged in prolonged and often harrowing negotiations with the kidnappers in a desperate bid to secure the release of their loved ones.
The first breakthrough was recorded on January 1, 2026, when seven abducted worshippers were released after the payment of a ransom reportedly amounting to ₦15 million. However, the development was overshadowed by tragedy, as only four of the seven were freed alive.
Three victims were confirmed dead — two reportedly died in captivity, while one passed away after being rushed to hospital following release.
Despite the grim outcome, negotiations continued.
A local community platform, Egbe Mekun, reported that three more victims were released on Monday, January 12. This was followed by the release of 14 additional abductees on Tuesday, bringing the total number of worshippers freed so far to 24.
Community sources said 13 worshippers are still believed to be in the custody of the terrorists, as efforts to secure their release continue amid growing concern over their safety.
