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Tag: Kogi kidnapping

  • ECWA Abduction: 17 More Worshippers Freed as 13 Remain in Captivity

    ECWA Abduction: 17 More Worshippers Freed as 13 Remain in Captivity

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Seventeen additional worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu, Kogi State, have regained their freedom following sustained negotiations with their captors, community leaders have confirmed.The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association disclosed the development on Tuesday, saying it worked closely with affected families to facilitate the latest release. The group described the outcome as a relief to the community, despite the heavy financial and emotional toll involved

    .According to the association, the release was secured after weeks of negotiations that required what it described as “painful sacrifices of huge resources” by families and community members.The ECWA abduction occurred on December 14, 2025, when more than 30 worshippers were kidnapped during a church service in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu. The incident sparked widespread concern and condemnation, prompting continuous efforts by families and community leaders to secure the victims’ release.

    NOn January 1, 2026, seven abductees were freed after prolonged negotiations and the payment of a ₦15 million ransom. However, the outcome was tragic, as only four of the seven were released alive. Community sources confirmed that two victims died in captivity before their release, while another died shortly after being taken to hospital.Negotiations with the kidnappers continued in the weeks that followed. Three more victims were released on January 12, 2026, while an additional 14 worshippers regained their freedom on January 13, 2026, bringing the total number of released abductees to 24.

    Despite the progress, 13 worshippers are still being held in captivity, raising ongoing concerns about their safety and wellbeing.The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association reaffirmed its commitment to securing the release of the remaining victims and appealed for continued prayers, support, and understanding from the public.Community leaders also renewed calls for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further loss of life and to bring the ordeal to a peaceful conclusion.

    Residents of Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu said the abduction has deeply affected the community, disrupting social and religious activities while placing immense strain on families of the victims.They urged the government and security authorities to intensify efforts to address insecurity in rural communities, particularly places of worship, to prevent similar incidents in the future. As negotiations continue, the community remains hopeful that the remaining abducted worshippers will be released unharmed.

  • Gunmen Abduct Nine in Kogi Community as Residents Call for Drone and Air Surveillance

    Gunmen Abduct Nine in Kogi Community as Residents Call for Drone and Air Surveillance

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Gunmen have abducted nine persons in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, prompting residents to call for the deployment of drones and aerial surveillance to support security operations in the area.The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday at Inele-Ugoh, Igah Ikeje community, where armed men reportedly stormed the village in large numbers and carried out coordinated abductions. Among the victims were four mourners—a woman and her three children—who were said to be travelling to a neighbouring community to attend a burial.According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen intercepted the family along the road, overpowered them, and forced them into the surrounding forest. Five other victims were reportedly abducted from their farms during the same operation.Residents described the attackers as heavily armed and numbering over 40, a situation that allegedly deterred local vigilante groups from confronting them. Witnesses said the scale of the operation and the sophistication of the weapons created fear and confusion within the community.

    Following the attack, community members reportedly sent a distress call to troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, stationed at a checkpoint within the area. However, the soldiers were said to have arrived after the gunmen had already retreated into the forest with their captives.Although security operatives, alongside local vigilantes, are currently combing nearby forests in search of the abducted victims, residents expressed concern that ground patrols alone may not be sufficient. They stressed the need for aerial support to enhance surveillance and tracking efforts.

    A local community police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the abductors operate in large, mobile groups and frequently change locations to evade capture. “These bandits move in large numbers, sometimes as many as 200, splitting into smaller units. They do not stay in one place and constantly relocate their captives,” the officer said.He added that effective rescue operations would require aerial intelligence. “Troops can only succeed with air support. The deployment of drones or police helicopters from Lokoja is crucial to flushing out these criminals from our forests,” he said.Community members warned that the continued presence of armed groups in the area could disrupt daily life and festive activities. “We will not enjoy Christmas if these criminals remain in our forests,” a resident said.

    Meanwhile, the Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) reported an increase in kidnapping incidents across Olamaboro communities in recent weeks. According to the group, criminal elements are allegedly infiltrating the area from neighbouring states and operating with high-level coordination.“The gunmen are heavily armed and clearly organised. Their activities have intensified recently, especially around rural communities,” a KENW official said.

    As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command had not issued an official statement confirming the attack. Repeated attempts to reach police authorities for comment were unsuccessful.Residents continue to appeal to state and federal authorities for urgent intervention, including enhanced surveillance, increased troop deployment, and improved intelligence gathering, to secure the release of the abducted victims and restore peace to the area.

  • Kidnappers Demand ₦100 Million Ransom for Mother and Two Children Abducted in Kogi

    Kidnappers Demand ₦100 Million Ransom for Mother and Two Children Abducted in Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted a woman and her two children in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, leaving the husband critically injured after sustaining gunshot wounds while trying to escape.

    The attack occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Friday at the family residence of Mr. Tokpe Gody in Bareke, Isanlu. According to local sources, the assailants invaded the home and shot Gody twice as he attempted to resist the abduction of his family.

    A member of the Kogi State Vigilante Agency, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen later contacted the family, demanding N100 million as ransom for the release of the victims.

    “One of us received a call from the kidnappers this morning. They used a private number and demanded ₦100 million before releasing the wife and children,” the vigilante source said.

    Meanwhile, Gody is currently receiving treatment at Egbe Hospital, where medical personnel are battling to save his life. Reports indicate that his condition remains critical and he may be transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, for further medical care.

    Residents expressed concern over the increasing spate of kidnappings in Okun land, noting that attacks have become frequent in the area since May, when the paramount ruler of Okeloke was abducted.

    The heavily armed gangs have reportedly continued to operate with impunity, killing several policemen and local vigilantes in recent months despite security efforts in the region.