Suspected terrorists, believed to be bandits, have released 17 additional worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu, Kogi State, following sustained negotiations and the payment of ransom.
Naijaonpoint reports that the latest release came after weeks of engagement between the abductors, affected families and the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, which has been coordinating community efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.
According to Sahara Reporters, the Kogi State Government was not involved in the negotiations or 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 whisked away more than 30 parishioners to an unknown location.
The incident sparked panic and outrage within the community and neighbouring areas.
Since the abduction, families of the victims, working with community leaders, have been engaged in prolonged and often difficult negotiations with the kidnappers in a bid to secure the release of their loved ones.
The first breakthrough came on January 1, 2026, when seven abducted worshippers were released after negotiations and the payment of a ransom reportedly put at ₦15 million.
However, the release was marred by tragedy as only four victims were freed alive, while three were confirmed dead – two reportedly died while in captivity, and one died after being rushed to the hospital following release.
Despite the tragic outcome, negotiations continued.
A local 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.