Bandits Kill One, Kidnap Worshippers During Church Service in Kogi State

Armed bandits raided the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, located in Kogi State’s Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, resulting in one death and multiple abductions of worshippers.

The attack occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, claiming the life of a person known only as Jay Jay.

Several worshippers were taken captive, though authorities and security personnel are still working to determine the precise number of victims.

This incident follows a similar attack on November 30, 2025, when armed assailants raided a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area.

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During that incident, the church leader Orlando and several congregation members were kidnapped during worship.

The attackers demanded an initial ransom of N500 million, subsequently lowering it to N200 million, and issued a two-day deadline with threats of undisclosed “consequences” for non-compliance.

Such attacks on churches have become a recurring problem across Nigeria, as banditry continues to affect regions nationwide.

The Tinubu administration faces ongoing difficulties in addressing the country’s security challenges.

US President Donald Trump characterized these church attacks as “persecution” of Nigerian Christians.

However, President Tinubu disputed this characterization and has sought American cooperation to address Nigeria’s security concerns.