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.

Naija News 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.

BREAKING: Terrorists Release 17 More ECWA Worshippers in Kogi, 13 Still Held

Suspected bandits in Kogi State have released 17 additional worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu after ransom negotiations. The abductions occurred on December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the church, taking over 30 parishioners. Earlier releases included seven worshippers on January 1, though tragically, three of them died—two in captivity and one after hospitalisation. Subsequent releases on January 12 and 13 have brought the total freed to 24, while 13 remain in captivity. The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association continues negotiations and appeals to the public for prayers and support to secure the safe release of the remaining victims. Residents urge urgent government intervention to end the ordeal and ensure the safety of their community.

Video Shows Abducted ECWA Church Worshippers, Children, Elderly Distressed in Bandits’ Captivity After Kogi Church Attack

A distressing video has emerged showing worshippers abducted during the bandit attack on First ECWA Church in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The 38-second footage reveals elderly victims and young children standing in a forest, confirming fears over the fate of those kidnapped during the December 14, 2025 attack. At least one worshipper, Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, was killed, while no fewer than 37 people were abducted. Residents say the bandits operated freely for hours, targeting church services and demanding ransom as insecurity continues to worsen in the area.

EXCLUSIVE: Names of Over 37 Worshippers, Including Children and Elderly, Kidnapped in Kogi’s Aiyetoro Kiri Church Attack

SaharaReporters has obtained the names of worshippers abducted during a violent bandit attack on the First ECWA Church and Apostolic Church in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State, on December 14, 2025. The attack left one seminary graduate, Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi (JJ), dead, while at least 37 worshippers—including over 12 children aged 3–8 and more than 10 elderly individuals—were kidnapped. Bandits operated freely for hours, reportedly forcing some captives to fetch ransom money. They have demanded ₦600 million from the community, seeking direct negotiation with the government. The assault is the third major attack in the area this year, leaving residents in fear and prompting mass relocation.

"Flush out these bandits"- Tinubu orders Police, DSS to storm forests in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and armed groups hiding in forests across the country.

In a national address on Wednesday, the President ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to comb and secure wooded areas where bandits and insurgents are believed to be operating. He also authorised the agency to embark on fresh recruitment to strengthen manpower for the operation.

“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” Tinubu warned, instructing the DSS and police to storm forested regions and flush out criminal elements responsible for recent deadly attacks.

As part of the emergency measures, the President approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police personnel, increasing the force to 50,000 officers nationwide. He further directed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps be used as temporary training facilities to fast-track the process.

Tinubu also ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, saying the personnel would undergo rapid retraining and be redeployed to areas facing heightened security threats.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” he said, urging citizens to support security agencies and report suspicious activities.

The President commended security operatives for securing the release of kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State and worshippers abducted in Kwara, assuring that efforts to rescue remaining hostages including students kidnapped in Niger State would continue.

While praising the Armed Forces for their sacrifices, Tinubu cautioned against indiscipline, collusion, or negligence, stressing that the military must restore peace across all operational zones.

He also encouraged states with established security outfits to intensify local efforts and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states to create their own police structures where necessary.

Addressing the long-running clashes between herders and farmers, Tinubu urged herder groups to embrace ranching and take advantage of the newly created Livestock Ministry, warning against continued open grazing and illegal possession of weapons.

The President extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and paid tribute to military personnel who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he stated.