24 parishioners who were kidnapped from a branch of ECWA Church at Àyetoro-Kiri in Kabba/ Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi state last month have regained freedom.
Recall that gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked the Church on December 14, 2025, and kidnapped about 37 parishioners.
The victims, including elderly women, men, and teenagers, were abducted during the raid.
Since the incident, the community leaders and the families of the victims have been engaging their abductors to secure their release.
According to the community youth leader, Daniel Friday, 17 of the abducted parishioners were released on Tuesday to reunite with their families.
A source from the community, who sought anonymity, said, “On January 1, 2026, seven of the abductees were released after prolonged negotiations and the payment of a huge sum of money, running into millions to their assailants.
“Of the seven, four were released alive, while three were confirmed dead; two died before release, and one died in the hospital, while receiving treatment.
“Thereafter, negotiations continued, leading to the release of three more victims on Monday, December 12, 2026, and a further 14 victims on Tuesday, December 13, 2026, bringing the number of released abducted parishioners to 24 out of 37.”
Residents of the community on Wednesday appealed for urgent assistance to ensure the safe return of those still being held by their assailants.
At the time of this report Kogi state police command and the state government are yet to make official statements.
Meanwhile, according to a report from the community, arrangements are underway to ferry the released parishioners to a hospital in Kabba for medical attention.
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