The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, alongside affected families, has secured the release of 17 additional victims abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
This follows earlier breakthroughs but highlights the heavy financial toll on residents.
Recall that Truth Live News had reported that on Sunday, December 14, 2025, armed assailants stormed the First ECWA Church during worship, abducting over 30 parishioners, including children, women, and the elderly while killing at least one person. Initial demands reportedly reached ₦600 million for the group, though negotiations have proceeded in stages.
“You will remember that, on Sunday December 14th, over 30 parishioners were abducted from EWCA Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu. Concerted efforts have since then been engaged in seeing to their release,” the association stated.
On January 1, 2026, seven individuals were freed—four alive and three deceased after rigorous negotiations and a confirmed payment of ₦15 million.
The community pressed on, securing the release of three more on Monday, January 12, 2026. In a relentless push, 14 additional victims regained freedom on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
“From the above, a total of 24 people have been released,” the group announced. “While the association keep striving for the release of her people, it is our prayer and hope, that, they shall all safely join us.”
“This was not without painful parting with humugus resources,” the statement emphasized, reflecting the immense burden of raising funds through communal contributions in the absence of decisive official intervention.
The latest releases bring the freed total to 24, offering relief to many families after weeks of anguish. However, several victims remain in captivity, with reports indicating up to 27 still held as of mid-January 2026.
The association continues its advocacy and negotiations, showing the resilience of the Aiyetoro Kiri people amid repeated attacks, this being the third major incident in the community in 2025 alone.
Aledare Jide Sunday, MASN, National Publicity Secretary, issued the update on behalf of the National Executive Committee, Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association.
The developments expose the harsh reality of ransom-driven abductions in rural communities in Kogi, where communities bear the financial and emotional costs while the government little or no attention to the people’s plight.
