A disturbing video has surfaced showing worshippers abducted from the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, in the custody of suspected bandits.
In the footage circulating on social media, elderly persons, women, and children appear visibly distressed, thereby raising serious concerns about their safety and wellbeing.
Attack Occurred During Church Service
According to local accounts, armed bandits attacked the rural church on Sunday, December 14, during an ongoing service.
First, the attackers fired gunshots to create panic among worshippers.
Next, they seized several congregants and forced them into the surrounding forest.
Conflicting Figures on Number Abducted
Initially, the Kogi State Government confirmed that at least 13 worshippers were kidnapped.
However, community leaders have disputed this figure.
According to them, as many as 37 people, including children and elderly worshippers, were abducted during coordinated attacks on the ECWA church and nearby worship centres.
Furthermore, residents alleged that gunmen forced some captives to return home under threat to collect money before taking them away.
Security Agencies Launch Rescue Efforts
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said local hunters confronted the attackers and neutralised some of them.
In addition, security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS), have launched a manhunt for the abductors.
Fanwo said security operatives are working to rescue the victims unharmed.
Community in Fear After Deadly Raid
During the attack, a young seminary graduate identified as Jimoh Adeyemi reportedly lost his life.
Others sustained injuries during the raid.
As a result, Ayetoro Kiri has remained largely deserted in the days following the incident.
Videos obtained by reporters show locked homes and empty streets, underscoring the growing fear among residents.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
Meanwhile, families of the abducted worshippers have intensified calls for urgent government intervention.
Civil society groups have also raised alarm over the rising attacks on rural communities and places of worship in Kogi State.
At the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the abducted worshippers remain unknown, although security agencies say rescue efforts are ongoing.
