Suspected terrorists, believed to be bandits, have released 17 more worshippers who were abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu, Kogi State, after weeks of negotiations and the payment of ransom.
The latest release followed sustained discussions involving the abductors, families of the victims, and the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, which has been leading community efforts to secure the freedom of those taken, reports Gwg.com.
Reports indicate that the Kogi State Government was not part of the negotiations and did not play a role in the releases recorded so far.
The worshippers were kidnapped on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed men invaded the ECWA church during a church programme and forcefully took away more than 30 parishioners to an undisclosed location.
The abduction triggered fear and anger within the community and surrounding areas, prompting families and local leaders to begin difficult talks with the kidnappers.
A major development occurred on January 1, 2026, when seven of the abducted worshippers were released after negotiations and the payment of a ransom reportedly estimated at ₦15 million. However, the release ended in tragedy, as only four victims returned alive. Two were said to have died while in captivity, while another died shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Despite the painful outcome, negotiations continued between the community and the abductors.
On Monday, January 12, three more victims were released. This was followed by the release of 14 additional worshippers on Tuesday, bringing the total number of those freed so far to 24.
Community sources have said that 13 worshippers are still believed to be held by the terrorists.
