THIS DAWN — Armed bandits have released a disturbing video showing Nigerian citizens abducted during a church service at the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The footage, which surfaced days after the December 14, 2025 attack, depicts men, women, and children in captivity, visibly distressed and guarded by gunmen wielding assault rifles.
The Attack
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, heavily armed assailants stormed the church during a worship session, firing shots to instill fear before abducting over 20 congregants. Witnesses reported chaos as worshippers fled in panic, while several were seized and taken into the surrounding forest. The attack left the community traumatized, with residents describing scenes of confusion and terror.
Local sources confirmed that the attackers escaped through bush paths, leaving behind a devastated congregation. The incident coincided with other violent assaults in nearby communities, underscoring the growing insecurity across Kogi State.
The Video Evidence
The newly released video serves as a “proof of life,” showing the abducted worshippers alive but in dire conditions. In the footage, elderly persons and children appear exhausted and frightened, while armed men stand guard with AK-47 rifles. The captives plead for rescue, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
Security analysts note that such videos are often used by kidnappers to pressure families and authorities into paying ransom or negotiating concessions. The release has intensified calls for immediate government intervention.
Community Response
The attack has triggered mass displacement in Ayetoro-Kiri. By December 18, residents had begun abandoning their homes, leaving the once-bustling community eerily deserted. Streets were empty, doors locked, and families relocated to nearby towns in search of safety.
Community leaders lamented the absence of visible security presence, saying the lack of reassurance has deepened fears of further assaults. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi State initially disputed reports of abductions, but eyewitness accounts and the released video have confirmed the gravity of the incident.
Government and Security Silence
As of press time, neither the federal government nor Kogi State authorities have issued detailed statements on the abduction or the released video. The police spokesperson in Kogi, SP William Ovye Aya, did not respond to calls and messages from reporters.
This silence has fueled public frustration, with critics accusing authorities of neglecting rural communities vulnerable to banditry. The lack of swift action has raised questions about Nigeria’s broader capacity to respond to escalating insecurity.
Broader Implications
The Ayetoro-Kiri abduction is part of a troubling pattern of attacks on churches and rural communities in Nigeria. Analysts warn that religious institutions are increasingly becoming soft targets for bandits, who exploit weak security structures.
The incident also underscores Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis, where mass abductions have become a recurring feature in states such as Kaduna, Zamfara, and Niger. The release of videos by captors reflects a growing trend of psychological warfare aimed at instilling fear and extracting concessions.
Human Toll
For the families of the abducted worshippers, the video is both a relief and a source of anguish. While it confirms their loved ones are alive, it also reveals the harsh conditions of captivity. Community members continue to call for urgent rescue operations, fearing that prolonged detention could endanger the victims’ lives.
One resident told reporters: “We are living in fear. Our people are gone, and the government is silent. We don’t know if they will ever return.”
Conclusion
The release of the video showing abducted worshippers from the ECWA Church in Ayetoro-Kiri has reignited national concern over Nigeria’s deepening insecurity. With over 20 citizens still in captivity, the incident highlights the vulnerability of rural communities and the urgent need for decisive government action.
Until authorities respond, the fate of the abducted worshippers remains uncertain, and Ayetoro-Kiri stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of unchecked banditry.
