Reporters has obtained the names of worshippers abducted during a deadly bandit attack on the First ECWA Church and the Apostolic Church in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The attack, which occurred during Sunday service on December 14, 2025, reportedly claimed the life of a seminary graduate while at least 37 worshippers—including children and elderly persons—were kidnapped.

Sources revealed that the attackers surrounded the community and specifically targeted worshippers during the peaceful church service. While some congregants managed to hide inside the Apostolic Church, many others—particularly children and elderly members—were unable to escape and were abducted.

Killed in the attack was Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, popularly known as J.J., a seminary graduate who had recently returned to serve in his community. Two other worshippers reportedly sustained injuries during the raid.

According to eyewitnesses, the bandits operated freely for several hours. Some captives were allegedly forced to return home under guard to collect ransom money before being taken away. Residents described the attack as brazen and unprecedented in scale.

Among those kidnapped were over 10 elderly persons aged above 70 and more than 12 children between the ages of three and eight.

This incident marks the third major attack on Aiyetoro Kiri in 2025. On March 27, five residents were kidnapped and held for over four months before their release on July 12 after a ransom payment. Another attack on November 26 left one person dead and saw bandits seize petroleum products while passing through the community. Locals believe the village lies along a strategic route linking bandits’ hideouts.

Names of Some Abducted Worshippers

• 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
• Rebecca Daniel
• Mrs. Funmilayo Peter
• Mrs. Rachael Oshe
• Mrs. Abigail Oshe
• Tobi Owonibi
• James Bello Adebayo
• Bosede Samuel
• Mrs. Elesho
• Pamilerin Atteh
• Daniel Atteh
• Ojo Oloruntoba’s Child 1
• Ojo Oloruntoba’s Child 2
• Mrs. Funmi’s Child 1
• Mrs. Funmi’s Child 2
• Mrs. Funmi’s Child 3
• Mrs. Tobi’s Child 1
• Mrs. Tobi’s Child 2
• Mr. Tuesday Adebayo’s Child 1
• Mr. Tuesday Adebayo’s Child 2

Sources said the bandits contacted the community on December 15, demanding direct negotiations with the government rather than victims’ families. On December 16, they reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦600 million, threatening dire consequences if the demand is not met.

Following the attack, Aiyetoro Kiri has been largely deserted. Residents have fled to nearby towns amid fears of further violence. Videos obtained by SaharaReporters show abandoned streets, broken windows, and vehicles transporting displaced families.

Community members are calling for urgent government intervention to secure the release of the abducted worshippers and prevent further attacks, warning that without a visible security presence, the area remains highly vulnerable.

The abduction of children and elderly persons in this latest attack highlights the worsening security situation in Aiyetoro Kiri and the wider Bunu District, as the kidnapped victims remain in captivity and authorities are yet to issue a decisive response.