Affected families, in collaboration with the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association (AKBDA), has secured the release of 17 additional worshippers abducted from the ECWA Church in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu in Kogi State.
Their released followed sustained negotiations with their captors.
The National Publicity Secretary of AKBDA, Aledare Jide Sunday, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday.
The abduction occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when more than 30 parishioners were taken from the ECWA Church during an attack on the community. Since then, community leaders and families have engaged in continuous negotiations to secure the victims’ freedom.
“On January 1st, 2026, 7 people (4 alive and 3 dead) were released after rigorous negotiations and payment of 15m Naira. The leadership of the community pressed further in their appeal and negotiations, and had 3 released on Monday 12th January, 2026. In a relentless effort, 14 people were further released yesterday, Tuesday 13th January, 2026.
“A total of 24 people have been released,” Aledare said.
The Aiyetoro-Kiri community prayed and jope for the safe release of the remaining kidnap victims.
