By Our Reporter
Twenty-four parishioners abducted from an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) branch in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
The worshippers were among 37 parishioners kidnapped on December 14, 2025, when gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the church during a service. The victims included elderly men and women, as well as teenagers.
Community sources said negotiations involving families of the abducted parishioners and local leaders led to the gradual release of the victims.
According to the community youth leader, Daniel Friday, 17 worshippers were released on Tuesday, while others had earlier been freed in batches.
A community source disclosed that seven victims were released on January 1, 2026, after the payment of a ransom running into millions of naira. Of that number, four were released alive, while three died—two in captivity and one later in hospital while receiving treatment.
Further negotiations resulted in the release of three additional victims on Monday and 14 more on Tuesday, bringing the total number of freed worshippers to 24 out of the 37 abducted.
The source said the Ayetoro-Kiri Bunu Development Association, working with affected families, played a key role in securing the releases, describing the process as a “painful sacrifice involving huge financial resources.”
While welcoming the development, community leaders said 13 worshippers remain in captivity and appealed for continued public support, prayers, and assistance to secure their release.
Residents also called on security agencies and the Kogi State Government to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Kogi State Police Command and the state government were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to transport the freed worshippers to a hospital in Kabba for medical evaluation and treatment.
NAN