Over 20 Worshippers Abducted as Gunmen Attack ECWA Church in Kogi’s Ayetoro Kiri Community

Over 20 Worshippers Abducted as Gunmen Attack ECWA Church in Kogi’s Ayetoro Kiri Community Residents of Ayetoro Kiri community in Kogi State are fleeing their homes in fear after gunmen attacked an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation during a worship service, abducting more than 20 worshippers in a coordinated operation that has shocked the state and renewed national concerns about insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

The attack occurred on a quiet Sunday evening when worshippers had gathered peacefully for prayers. Survivors described scenes of panic as gunshots rang out, forcing congregants to lie flat on the floor while the attackers took control of the church premises.

Since the incident, Ayetoro Kiri has remained tense. Many residents have abandoned their homes, while others stay awake at night, fearing a possible return of the attackers.

Gunmen Storm ECWA Church During Evening Service

Eyewitnesses told DocuNews Central that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and on foot shortly after the church service had commenced. According to several accounts, the gunmen strategically surrounded the ECWA church building, cutting off all possible escape routes.

“They came suddenly. We heard gunshots, and everyone started screaming,” said a church member who narrowly escaped. “They shouted orders and warned us not to move.”

The attackers reportedly selected worshippers indiscriminately, including men, women, and youths. They then marched more than 20 members of the congregation into the surrounding forest.

The speed and precision of the operation suggest prior surveillance, raising questions about intelligence failures and community vulnerability.

Community in Shock as Families Search for Missing Loved Ones

Following the attack, panic swept across Ayetoro Kiri. Families rushed to the church premises, hoping to identify those taken away. Emotional scenes unfolded as names were called and unanswered.

Several residents said the psychological impact of the abduction has been overwhelming.

“We could not sleep all night,” said a father whose sister was abducted. “Every sound makes us afraid.”

By Monday morning, dozens of households had begun relocating to neighbouring towns and villages.

Traditional Rulers and Community Leaders Condemn Attack

Traditional rulers and community leaders strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on peace, religion, and community life.

A senior community leader said the incident has shattered trust and stability.

“This is not just an attack on a church,” he said. “It is an attack on the entire community.”

Leaders called on the Kogi State Government to urgently deploy more security personnel and establish permanent patrol bases.

Police and Security Agencies Confirm Abduction

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident in an official statement. According to the police, joint security forces comprising the police, military, and local vigilantes have been deployed to the area.

The police spokesperson said search-and-rescue operations are ongoing in nearby forests and suspected hideouts.

Residents, however, expressed concern about the effectiveness of past rescue efforts.

Rising Insecurity in Kogi State Raises Alarm

The Ayetoro Kiri church attack is part of a wider security challenge facing Kogi State. The state’s strategic location, linking northern and southern Nigeria, has made it vulnerable to criminal movements.

In recent months, reports of kidnappings and violent attacks have increased across rural communities.

This growing insecurity mirrors broader national challenges, similar to issues analysed in other national reports published on DocuNews Central, which highlight institutional and enforcement gaps across different sectors.

Religious Leaders Condemn Attack on Worshippers

Christian leaders across Kogi State and Nigeria condemned the attack, describing it as a direct violation of freedom of worship.

A senior ECWA official said worship centres should never become targets.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on federal authorities to prioritise the protection of religious gatherings.

Humanitarian Concerns Grow as Residents Flee

The displacement of residents from Ayetoro Kiri has created new humanitarian challenges. Families fled with little notice, leaving behind food, livestock, and personal belongings.

Local volunteers warned that prolonged displacement could worsen living conditions.

Children have been withdrawn from school, while elderly residents struggle to adapt.

Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Coordinated Attack

Survivors described the attackers as heavily armed and calm. Some said the gunmen communicated using hand signals.

“They knew the terrain very well,” one witness said.

These accounts have raised concerns about forest surveillance and intelligence sharing.

Security Experts Analyse the Ayetoro Kiri Attack

Security analysts believe the attackers exploited gaps in rural policing and forest monitoring.

Experts argue that criminals operate freely in vast ungoverned spaces.

They called for intelligence-led operations, improved technology, and community collaboration.

Government Under Growing Pressure to Act

Civil society organisations criticised what they described as reactive responses to insecurity.

They urged the government to focus on prevention rather than response.

Similar governance challenges have been examined in previous DocuNews Central investigations, including this report: No Hope for Nigeria as DR Congo Produces FIFA Clearance Documents.

Impact on Religious, Economic, and Social Life

Since the attack, churches in neighbouring communities have suspended evening services.

Markets operate for shorter hours, while schools remain closed.

Economic activities have slowed significantly.

National Reactions and Social Media Outrage

The incident triggered widespread reactions online. Nigerians expressed frustration over repeated attacks on worship centres.

Many called for accountability and stronger leadership.

Similar Incidents Across Nigeria

The Ayetoro Kiri attack reflects a pattern seen across Nigeria. Rural communities remain vulnerable due to limited security presence.

Reports by Vanguard and Legit.ng show a steady rise in kidnappings.

Community Resilience and Hope Amid Fear

Despite the fear, residents continue to support one another.

Prayer sessions and vigils are held daily.

Families of the abducted worshippers remain hopeful.

What Happens Next?

As security operations continue, residents await concrete results.

For now, Ayetoro Kiri remains a community in distress, hoping for peace and the safe return of those abducted.

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