Abducted ECWA Church worshippers distressed in bandits’ captivity
By: Abudu Olalekan
A video has surfaced showing members of the First ECWA Church abducted by suspected bandits. The 38-second clip, shared by a platform called Egbe Mekun Parrot and seen by Reportersroom, shows frail elderly people and children standing in what looks like a forest.
The attack happened on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kogi State. Bandits targeted the First ECWA Church and the Apostolic Church during a peaceful service.
Sources told Reportersroom that a seminary graduate, Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi (also known as J.J.), was killed. At least 37 worshippers were kidnapped, including children and elderly residents.
The attackers surrounded the community. Some churchgoers hid inside the Apostolic Church, but children who couldn’t escape were taken. More than 10 elderly people, all over 70, and over 12 children aged three to eight were among the victims. Two others were injured.
“The attackers… targeted worshippers at the churches, taking advantage of the peaceful gathering,” a source said. “While some churchgoers managed to hide inside the Apostolic Church, children who couldn’t escape were abducted.”
Eyewitnesses said the bandits roamed freely for hours. They even forced some captives to go home and get ransom money before taking them away. Community members called the attack brazen and unprecedented.
This is the third major attack on Aiyetoro Kiri in 2025. On March 27, five people were kidnapped and held for over four months. They were released after a ransom payment on July 12. On November 26, a person was killed and petroleum products were seized as bandits passed through. Residents say the village is a key route to the bandits’ hideouts.
The names of some kidnapped worshippers are: Elder Abraham Obagbemi, Elder Thomas Tolufashe, Elder David Omonaiye, Mr. David Solomon, Mr. Joseph Jeremiah, Mrs. Alice Atteh, Mrs. Esther Atteh, Mrs. Mary Adebayo, Mrs. Esther Braimoh, and Rebecca Daniel.
Others include Mrs. Funmilayo Peter, Mrs. Rachael Oshe, Mrs. Abigail Oshe, Tobi Owonibi, James Bello Adebayo, Bosede Samuel, Mrs. Elesho, Pamilerin Atteh, Daniel Atteh, Ojo Oloruntoba’s child no.1, Ojo Oloruntoba’s child no.2, Mrs. Funmi’s child no.1, Mrs. Funmi’s child no.2, Mrs. Funmi’s child no.3, Mrs. Tobi’s child no.1, Mrs. Tobi’s child no.2, Mr. Tuesday Adebayo’s child no.1, and Mr. Tuesday Adebayo’s child no.2.
On December 15, the bandits contacted the community. They want government attention and direct negotiation, not talks with the families.
