Gunmen on Sunday attacked First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and abducted over 20.
The rampaging gunmen also carried out an attack same day on Oke-Agi and Ilai Communities of Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The killed three and abducted many including a pregnant woman.
It was gathered that the attackers stormed the church while a worship session was ongoing , and began to shoot sporadically to create panic among congregants.
Many worshippers reportedly fled the scene, while about 20 were seized by the assailants. One person identified as Jay Jay was killed.
The attack threw the otherwise quiet community into chaos, with residents expressing deep fear and worry over the escalating abductions in the area.
The latest abduction has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kogi State, where repeated attacks on rural communities and places of worship have left residents increasingly anxious and calling for stronger security measures.
The chairman of the Mopamuro local government area, Zaccheus Dare Micheal, while reacting to the attack blamed the church for opening for the service in the area in view of the prevailing security situation.
He took the precautionary measure to close down all markets in the area to prevent attacks and mass abductions by the terrorists
This incident marked the second attack on a church in Okun land within weeks, heightening fears among residents and worshippers across the area.
A recent incident occurred on November 30, 2025, when armed men stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting the cleric identified Orlando and about 13 worshippers during a service.
The attackers initially demanded ₦500 million in ransom, later reducing it to ₦200 million, giving the victims’ families a two-day ultimatum and warning of unspecified “consequences” if the demand was not met.
Residents also recalled that the Ayetoro Kiri community came under attack about three weeks ago, when armed assailants targeted a local school.
On that occasion, the community vigilante group reportedly repelled the attackers, preventing casualties and abductions.