Armed bandits on Sunday, December 14, 2025, attacked the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one worshipper and abducting several others. The attack, which happened in the early hours of the day, has thrown the community into mourning and renewed fears over the worsening security situation in Okun land.
The victim, identified only as Jayjay, was reportedly killed during the attack as the armed men stormed the church premises while worshippers were gathered. As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of people abducted remains unclear, as security agencies and local authorities are still assessing the situation.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived suddenly, shooting sporadically and causing panic among worshippers. Many people reportedly tried to flee, while others were forced to lie on the ground. In the confusion, some worshippers were seized and taken away by the attackers into nearby bushes.
“This is a very sad day for our community,” a resident of Ayetoro Kiri said. “People came to church to pray, but they were attacked like criminals. One person is dead, and many families are now worried about their loved ones.”
This attack is the second time in recent weeks that a church has been targeted in Okun land, a predominantly Yoruba-speaking area of Kogi State. The repeated attacks have raised serious concerns among residents, religious leaders, and community groups.
On November 30, 2025, armed men attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, also in Okun land. During that incident, the attackers abducted the church’s cleric, identified as Orlando, along with several worshippers who were attending a church service.
Sources familiar with the Ejiba incident said the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for the release of the victims. The amount was later reduced to ₦200 million, with the kidnappers giving the families a two-day ultimatum. They reportedly threatened “serious consequences” if their demands were not met.
The growing pattern of attacks on churches has left many residents living in fear, especially on Sundays and during night services. Some churches in the area are now considering reducing service hours or increasing local security measures.
Beyond churches, Ayetoro Kiri and nearby communities have also faced other security threats in recent weeks. Residents recalled that about three weeks ago, the same community was attacked by armed men who targeted a local school.
During that earlier incident, members of the community vigilante group were able to repel the attackers. According to local sources, the quick response of the vigilantes prevented loss of life and possible abductions. However, residents say the latest attack shows that bandits are becoming bolder and more violent.
Okun land, which includes Kabba/Bunu, Yagba East, Yagba West, and Ijumu local government areas, has in recent years witnessed rising cases of kidnapping and armed attacks. The area is located along major routes linking Kogi to Kwara, Ekiti, and Ondo states, which some residents believe makes it vulnerable to criminal movements.
The killing of a worshipper during a church service has drawn strong reactions from residents and religious leaders. Many described the attack as an assault on the community’s peace and freedom of worship.
“This is no longer just about kidnapping for ransom,” a church leader in Kabba said. “When people are killed in the house of God, it means our security situation has become very serious.”
As of Sunday evening, there was no official statement from the Kogi State Police Command or the state government. However, residents said security operatives had been deployed to the area to begin investigations and search operations.
Community leaders are now calling on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to act swiftly. They are demanding increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and a stronger security presence in rural communities across Okun land.
“We cannot continue like this,” a youth leader in the area said. “Our people are farmers, traders, and students. They deserve to live in peace and go to church without fear.”
In recent years, Kogi State has experienced repeated security challenges, including kidnapping along highways, attacks on villages, and raids on farms. While the state government has often said it is working with security agencies to address the problem, residents say more needs to be done.
Some locals have also called for better support for community vigilante groups, who are often the first to respond during attacks. They argue that with proper training and support, vigilantes can help secure remote areas that security agencies struggle to reach quickly.
The attack on the ECWA church has also sparked discussions about the safety of worship centres across Nigeria. In different parts of the country, churches, mosques, and other public places have been targeted by criminals, raising concerns about the protection of civilians.
For now, families of the abducted worshippers are waiting anxiously for news, while the community mourns the loss of Jayjay. Many residents say the incident has shaken their sense of safety and trust.
