Terror In Kogi: Gunmen Kidnap 37 Worshippers, Kill Pastor, Demand ₦600 Million Ransom

Gunmen who attacked two churches in Aiyetoro Kiri community, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have demanded a ransom of ₦600m for the release of 37 abducted worshippers, including children and elderly persons.

The coordinated attacks occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the First ECWA Church and the Apostolic Church during worship, throwing the once-peaceful community into panic.

Community sources said the assailants surrounded Aiyetoro Kiri and targeted worshippers who had gathered peacefully in the churches.

“The attackers, who surrounded the community, targeted worshippers at the churches, taking advantage of the peaceful gathering,” a source said.

While some worshippers reportedly managed to hide inside the Apostolic Church, many others were not so lucky.

“Children who couldn’t escape were abducted. Among the kidnapped victims were more than 10 elderly people who were over 70 years of age and over 12 children ranging from three to eight years old,” the source added.

Residents said the gunmen first contacted the community on December 15, indicating their intention to negotiate directly with the government.

However, by December 16, the tone reportedly changed as the attackers demanded a ransom of ₦600m, issuing an ultimatum to the victims’ families and warning of dire consequences if their demand was not met.

Sources further disclosed that the bandits operated without restraint for several hours.

“The bandits operated freely for hours, even forcing some captives to return home to collect ransom money before taking them away,” a resident said.

The attack reportedly claimed the life of a seminary graduate, Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, popularly known as JJ, while two other worshippers sustained injuries.

The killing has deepened anger and grief within the Bunu community, where residents say the incident has been largely underreported.

Naija News reports that Sunday’s assault marked the third major attack on Aiyetoro Kiri in 2025.

On March 27, five people were kidnapped in the community and later released in July after a ransom payment. Another raid on November 26 resulted in the killing of one person and the seizure of petroleum products.

Community leaders believe the town has become a frequent target because it lies along a strategic route used by bandits moving to and from their hideouts.

Meanwhile, fear has forced residents to flee their homes. As of Thursday morning, December 18, 2025, Aiyetoro Kiri had become largely deserted, with families relocating to neighbouring towns and villages for safety.

“This town is empty now. People are not waiting to be next,” a resident told SaharaReporters.

“When a church is attacked and people are taken just like that, you start packing your life into bags.”

A video obtained from the community showed locked houses, deserted streets and only the sound of roosters crowing in the background. A lorry was also seen conveying residents out of the village.

In the footage, a distressed resident said in pidgin English, “See, there is no one. All of us have left the village. You can see all the doors; they are all closed. We are tired and we don’t know what to do. All these bandits have ‘killed’ our village.”

He added, “On Sunday, 14th of December, they entered our village. Now, see everywhere. They have taken people to the bush, close to 40 people. Please, help us. It is only fowls you can see. Everybody has left. See how they broke all those windows.”

Residents have lamented the absence of a sustained, government-backed security presence in the area, warning that continued neglect could worsen the situation.

With the abduction entering its fourth day, locals say the lack of significant response at the local, national and international levels has heightened anxiety over the fate of the captives.

The attack has once again drawn attention to the worsening insecurity in Bunu District, as residents urge authorities to act swiftly to protect lives, secure known bandit routes, and restore confidence in vulnerable rural communities.