Fear Spreads As Gunmen Release Proof-Of-Life Video Of Kidnapped Church Members In Kogi

A disturbing video has emerged online showing members of the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) who were abducted by suspected bandits in Kogi State, deepening concerns about the safety of the captives.

The 38-second clip, circulated by the online platform Egbe Mekun Parrot, features several visibly weak elderly persons and young children standing in what appears to be a forest location believed to be the kidnappers’ hideout.

The victims were taken during a violent assault on Aiyetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

Reports indicate that the attackers struck during Sunday worship services at the First ECWA Church and the Apostolic Church, killing a seminary graduate and abducting at least 37 worshippers.

The victim who lost his life was identified as Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, popularly called J.J., who had reportedly just returned to the community after completing his seminary education.

“One of the sources told SaharaReporters that the attackers encircled the community and specifically targeted worshippers during the church services, exploiting the calm atmosphere.”

Eyewitnesses said that while some congregants managed to hide inside the Apostolic Church, many others—particularly children and elderly worshippers—were unable to flee.

“Children who couldn’t escape were taken. Among those kidnapped were more than 10 elderly people aged over 70 and over 12 children between the ages of three and eight,” the source added.

Two additional residents were said to have sustained injuries during the attack.

Residents described the raid as audacious, claiming the bandits operated unhindered for hours. Some witnesses alleged that a few of the abducted persons were forced to return to their homes to retrieve money before being taken away.

Community members said the scale and coordination of the assault were unlike anything previously experienced in the area.

According to residents, this is the third major bandit attack on Aiyetoro Kiri in 2025. On March 27, five people were abducted and held for more than four months before their release on July 12 after ransom payments. Another attack occurred on November 26, when one person was killed and petroleum products were seized as bandits passed through the village.

Locals believe the community has become increasingly vulnerable due to its location along what they describe as a strategic corridor linking bandits’ hideouts.

List of Kidnapped Worshippers

Some of the identified victims include 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 are Mrs Funmilayo Peter, Mrs Rachael Oshe, Mrs Abigail Oshe, Tobi Owonibi, James Bello Adebayo, Bosede Samuel, Mrs Elesho, Pamilerin Atteh, Daniel Atteh, as well as several unnamed children belonging to Ojo Oloruntoba, Mrs Funmi, Mrs Tobi and Mr Tuesday Adebayo.

Sources further revealed that on December 15, the bandits reached out to the community, demanding government intervention and insisting on negotiating directly with authorities rather than with the families of the victims.