Kogi community decries rising insecurity, seeks release of 37 abducted worshippers

Residents of Aiyetoro Kiri in  Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have condemned the worsening insecurity in their community and renewed calls for urgent government intervention to safeguard lives and property.

The residents appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to ensure due process and secure the immediate release of 37 worshippers abducted by suspected bandits.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Mrs. Meroyin Mengbele lamented the recurring nature of armed attacks, noting that the incident of Sunday, December 14, 2025, was the third attack on Aiyetoro Kiri this year.

According to her, an earlier attack occurred on March 27, 2025, during which five persons were kidnapped and later released after ransom was paid. She added that a second attack took place on November 26, 2025, when bandits reportedly passed through the community to their hideouts, killing one person and making away with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Mrs. Mengbele said the latest attack claimed the life of a seminary graduate and led to the abduction of at least 37 worshippers, including children and elderly persons. 

She alleged that the attackers operated for hours, holding the entire community hostage.

She expressed concern that the incident was underreported, describing the silence as troubling and warning that the community had continued to suffer attacks without meaningful government response.

“The absence of security personnel in this area raises serious concerns about the government’s ability to protect its citizens,” she said, adding that insecurity was spreading beyond Aiyetoro Kiri to Kiri land and the entire Bunu District.

Another resident, Mr. Selewa Himikaiye, also criticised what he described as government insensitivity and abandonment of the community. 

He called for urgent intervention to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers and to prevent further attacks through increased security presence in the area.

Mr. Himikaiye further disclosed that the kidnappers contacted the community on December 15, 2025, claiming they wanted the attention of the government. 

According to him, the abductors on December 16, 2025, demanded a ransom of ₦600 million and issued an ultimatum, threatening dire consequences if their demand was not met.

The residents also revealed that a suspect identified as Jemete was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and, on the directive of the community’s traditional ruler, was handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Kabba.

They called on the government to intervene decisively, ensure justice is served, and secure the release of the abducted worshippers still in captivity.

Source: The Nation

They also alleged that a seminary graduate, Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, was killed during the attack, while two other persons sustained injuries.