By Peter Omopo
Armed bandits on Sunday attacked the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one person and abducting several worshippers.
The deceased, identified simply as Jayjay, was reportedly shot dead during the нападение, while an unspecified number of worshippers were taken away by the attackers.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Zacchaeus Dare, told TVC News that security agencies were still working to determine the exact number of abducted persons as efforts continue to track down the assailants.
Dare disclosed that security operatives engaged the attackers and neutralised about five of them. He, however, lamented what he described as the persistent disregard by some religious leaders for government advisories restricting prolonged social and religious gatherings in areas considered insecure based on credible intelligence.
According to him, such actions undermine ongoing efforts by the government and security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
The latest incident is the second attack on a church in Okun land in recent weeks, further heightening fear among residents and worshippers.
On November 30, 2025, gunmen reportedly stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting a cleric identified as Orlando and several worshippers during a service. The attackers were said to have demanded ₦500 million in ransom, later reducing the amount to ₦200 million, and issuing a two-day ultimatum.
Residents of Okun land have renewed calls for urgent intervention by security agencies and the Kogi State Government to stem the spate of attacks and protect lives and property.
