After weeks of fear, prayers, and painful sacrifices, hope is rising again in Aiyetoro Kiri, Bunu District of Kogi State.
Seventeen more worshippers abducted from an ECWA church in the community have finally regained their freedom, thanks to determined efforts by community leaders and the families of the victims who pulled resources together to negotiate their release.
The worshippers were among over 30 church members kidnapped on December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the ECWA Church during a service, plunging the community into shock and grief.
Confirming the development in Lokoja on Wednesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, Aledare Jide Sunday, said the latest breakthrough came through joint negotiations between the association and affected families — but not without heavy cost.
According to him, the freedom of the worshippers required the community and families to part with what he described as “humongous resources,” making the process both emotionally and financially exhausting.
The 17 victims were released in two phases — three on Monday, January 12, 2026, and the remaining 14 on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Aledare recalled that earlier, on January 1, 2026, seven abducted worshippers were released after intense negotiations and the payment of ₦15 million. Sadly, while four were freed alive, three were confirmed dead, deepening the community’s pain.
He explained that the community leadership refused to give up, intensifying appeals and negotiations until more captives were released.
With the latest development, 24 abducted worshippers have now regained their freedom, while efforts continue to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“While the association keeps striving for the release of our people, it is our prayer and hope that they shall all safely join us soon,” Aledare said.
The incident has once again spotlighted the security challenges facing rural communities in Kogi State, where residents are often forced to rely on self-help, unity, and collective sacrifice in the face of persistent kidnapping threats.
For Aiyetoro Kiri, the relief is real — but the scars remain.
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