- Bandits release video of abducted ECWA worshippers in Kogi
- Elderly people and young children seen pleading for help
- Victims kidnapped during Sunday church service attack
- Community describes assault as unprecedented and brutal
A group of armed bandits has released a video showing members of the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) who were abducted during a deadly attack in Kogi State, appealing for urgent help.
The 38-second footage, shared online by Egbe Mekun Parrot, shows frail-looking elderly persons and young children standing inside what appears to be a forest hideout believed to belong to the bandits. The victims looked visibly weak and distressed as they begged for intervention.
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The abducted worshippers were taken during an attack on Aiyetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area on Sunday, December 14, 2025, while they were attending a peaceful church service.
During the raid, gunmen stormed both the First ECWA Church and the Apostolic Church, killing a seminary graduate and abducting no fewer than 37 worshippers.
The victim killed during the attack was identified as Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, popularly known as J.J., who had reportedly just returned to the community after completing his seminary training.
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A source familiar with the incident said the attackers took advantage of the calm worship session.
“The attackers surrounded the community and targeted worshippers at the churches, taking advantage of the peaceful gathering,” the source disclosed.
Eyewitnesses said while some worshippers managed to hide inside the Apostolic Church, many others, especially children and elderly members were unable to escape.
“Children who couldn’t escape were abducted. Among those taken were over 10 elderly people above 70 years and more than 12 children aged between three and eight years,” another resident said.
Two other residents were reportedly injured during the raid.
Community members described the attack as brazen and coordinated, claiming the bandits operated freely for several hours without resistance. Some captives were allegedly forced to return to their homes to collect ransom money before being taken away.
Kogi State has witnessed a surge in bandit attacks in recent months, particularly targeting churches and rural communities. In response to the worsening insecurity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared all armed non-state actors as terrorists.
