Vigilantes rescue seven abducted worshippers in Kogi, many still missing

Seven members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) abducted by suspected bandits in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kogi State, have been rescued by local vigilante operatives, following days of uncertainty and fear within the community.

Sources in the area disclosed that the victims were released after a reported ₦15 million ransom was paid by families and sympathisers.

However, the rescue came with tragic consequences, as three of the abducted worshippers reportedly died in captivity, allegedly due to the harsh conditions they were subjected to while being held.

The abduction occurred when armed men stormed the community and seized dozens of church members, triggering panic and forcing residents to flee their homes.

Local vigilante groups, working with community leaders, launched search-and-rescue efforts across surrounding forests and remote areas, leading to the recovery of the seven survivors.

Despite the development, 31 other ECWA members are still missing, raising serious concerns about their safety and intensifying calls for urgent intervention by the Kogi State Government and security agencies.

Community leaders described the situation as alarming, noting that bandit attacks and kidnappings have become increasingly frequent in parts of the state, particularly in rural communities with limited security presence.

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“This incident has shaken the entire community. While we are grateful that some victims were rescued, the loss of three lives and the continued disappearance of others is unacceptable,” a community source said.

Residents and church leaders are now appealing to the government to deploy more security personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering, and support local vigilante groups to prevent further attacks. They also urged authorities to take decisive steps to dismantle criminal networks operating within forested areas around the community.

The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where communities continue to grapple with kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks despite ongoing security operations.

As families await news of their missing loved ones, pressure continues to mount on the authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of the remaining abductees and restore confidence in public safety across Kogi State.