Nigeria News Today: Video Emerges Showing Kidnapped ECWA Church Worshippers in Kogi Forest
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
Nigeria News Today — Security & Human Rights
A distressing video has emerged showing abducted worshippers of the First ECWA Church who were kidnapped during a deadly bandit attack on Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The 38-second clip, shared by Egbe Mekun Parrot and seen by SaharaReporters, shows frail elderly persons and frightened children standing in what appears to be a forest camp controlled by the kidnappers.
How the Attack Happened
The Bureau News confirms that suspected bandits invaded Aiyetoro Kiri on Sunday, December 14, 2025, attacking worshippers at both the First ECWA Church and the Apostolic Church.
Sources revealed that at least 37 worshippers, including elderly residents aged over 70 and multiple children between ages three and eight, were abducted during the coordinated raid.
Tragically, a seminary graduate identified as Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi (J.J.) was killed in the attack, while two others sustained serious injuries.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers surrounded the community, held residents hostage for hours, and even forced some captives to return home to retrieve ransom money before dragging them back into the forest.
This Is the Third Attack on the Community in 2025
Residents say Aiyetoro Kiri has suffered repeated violent incursions this year:
- March 27: Five people abducted and held for over four months until ransom was paid on July 12
- November 26: One person killed as bandits passed through with seized petroleum products
- December 14: Latest mass kidnapping targeting churches
Locals fear the village may have become a strategic route for bandits moving between camps.
Names of Confirmed Abducted Worshippers
Some of the confirmed abductees include:
Elder Abraham Obagbemi, Elder Thomas Tolufashe, Elder David Omonaiye, Mr. David Solomon,
Mr. Joseph Jeremiah, Mrs. Alice Atteh, Mrs. Esther Atteh, Mrs. Mary Adebayo,
Mrs. Esther Braimoh, Rebecca Daniel, Mrs. Funmilayo Peter, Mrs. Rachael Oshe,
Mrs. Abigail Oshe, Tobi Owonibi, James Bello Adebayo, Bosede Samuel, Mrs. Elesho,
Pamilerin Atteh, Daniel Atteh, Ojo Oloruntoba’s two children, Mrs. Funmi’s three children,
Mrs. Tobi’s two children, and Mr. Tuesday Adebayo’s two children.
Bandits Seek Government Negotiation
On December 15, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the community, demanding direct engagement with government authorities rather than the victims’ families.
The Bureau News notes that security concerns have intensified across Kogi State in recent weeks, with citizens calling for stronger protection measures and rescue operations.
WATCH: Abducted ECWA Church Worshippers Including Children Distressed In Bandits’ Captivity pic.twitter.com/G2VWzeNYlE
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 20, 2025
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The Bureau News will continue monitoring the situation and providing verified Nigeria News Today coverage.
