Residents Flee Kogi Community After Gunmen Attack Church, Abduct Worshippers
By Enemona Endurance Samuel
Residents of Aaaaz-Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State are reportedly fleeing their homes following last Sunday’s attack on an ECWA Church by gunmen.
The assailants were said to have stormed the church during a worship service, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers, while at least one person was reportedly killed.
Church members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that more than 20 worshippers may have been abducted during the incident. However, the exact number of victims and casualties remains unclear.
Some residents said the attack has triggered fear and displacement within the community, forcing many families to seek refuge in neighbouring towns, safer villages, and council headquarters.
“Many of our people have relocated since the Sunday incident,” a resident said. “Several families have fled to stay with relatives and friends in safer communities because of fear of further attacks.”
As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Aya William, had yet to issue an official reaction to the incident.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Karimi, condemned the attack and called on security agencies to intensify their efforts to protect lives and property.
“We are deeply concerned over reports of killing and kidnapping of an unspecified number of worshippers at ECWA Church in Aaaaz-Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area in the early hours of December 14, 2025,” the senator said.
He also expressed concern over similar security incidents reported in Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area, where kidnappings and killings were said to have occurred.
According to him, “The worsening security situation across the district calls for urgent intervention by the federal and state governments, as well as all relevant stakeholders, to confront the situation decisively and rescue the people from persistent bandit attacks.”
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, also sympathised with affected communities following the attacks.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Illai and Okeagi at this difficult time,” Fanwo said. “Efforts are ongoing to restore security to the area. I have spoken with the Council Chairman of Mopamuro and other relevant stakeholders. We will triumph by the grace of God.”
