TWENTY-FOUR parishioners abducted from a branch of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have regained their freedom after weeks in captivity.
News Point Nigeria reports that the worshippers were among about 37 parishioners kidnapped when gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the church during a service on December 14, 2025, throwing the community into shock and grief.
The victims, comprising elderly women, men, and teenagers, were forcefully taken away during the attack, prompting frantic efforts by families, community leaders, and local groups to secure their release.
Confirming the development, the community youth leader, Daniel Friday, said that 17 abducted parishioners were released on Tuesday, marking the latest phase of negotiations with the abductors.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the releases occurred in phases following prolonged negotiations and the payment of substantial sums of money.
According to the source, seven abductees were released on January 1, 2026, after what was described as intense bargaining with the kidnappers.
“Of the seven, four were released alive, while three were confirmed dead. Two died while in captivity, and one passed away later in the hospital while receiving treatment,” the source said.
The source added that negotiations continued afterward, leading to the release of three more victims on Monday, January 12, 2026, followed by the release of 14 additional parishioners on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, bringing the total number of freed worshippers to 24 out of the 37 abducted.
It was gathered that the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, working closely with affected families, played a central role in facilitating the negotiations that led to the release of the abducted parishioners.
“The latest release brings renewed hope to the community, although it came at a very significant financial cost,” the source said, describing the process as involving a painful sacrifice of huge resources.
Despite the relief over the release of the 24 parishioners, 13 abductees remain in captivity, and the community has continued to appeal for urgent assistance to ensure their safe return.
The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association reaffirmed its commitment to securing the freedom of the remaining victims, calling on members of the public to sustain prayers and support for the affected families.
Residents of the community on Wednesday also appealed to security agencies and the government to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held by their abductors.
Efforts to confirm the development from the Kogi State Police Command and the state government were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to officials were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, sources within the community said arrangements were underway to transport the released parishioners to a hospital in Kabba for medical evaluation and treatment following their ordeal in captivity.
While joy has returned to many homes in Aiyetoro-Kiri, the community remains anxious as it awaits the safe release of the remaining abducted worshippers.