Armed bandits on Sunday, December 14, 2025, attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one person and abducting several worshippers.
The deceased, identified only as Jayjay, was reportedly killed during the early‑morning assault.
Security operatives and local authorities are still working to determine the exact number of worshippers kidnapped in the attack.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of abductees remained unconfirmed, with officials yet to release definitive figures.
The incident has heightened fear among residents of Okun land, where church attacks have become increasingly frequent.
This is the second attack on a church in the area in recent weeks. On November 30, 2025, suspected bandits stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting the cleric, identified as Orlando, and other worshippers during a service.
In that earlier incident, the attackers reportedly demanded a ₦500 million ransom, later reducing the amount to ₦200 million, and gave victims’ families a two‑day ultimatum, warning of unspecified “consequences” if the ransom was not paid.
According to Sahara Reporters, residents also recalled that Ayetoro Kiri community came under assault about three weeks ago, when armed men attacked a local school. On that occasion, the vigilante group in the community reportedly repelled the assailants, preventing casualties and abductions.