A brutal attack shook Kogi State, Kidnapped Of two community leaders from their homes. Fear spread fast. Residents now face a growing security crisis that grips the Central Nigerian region.
The state has seen rising violent raids and kidnappings. Families and officials are alarmed. Violence spreads across both urban and rural areas. Communities demand immediate government action.
This blog explores the incident, the wider insurgency in Kogi, community responses, and implications for Nigeria’s security landscape.
A Region Under Siege: Kogi’s Rising Insecurity
Attacks Are Becoming More Frequent and Brazen
Kogi’s calm has been replaced by violence. On December 14, 2025, armed men attacked the First ECWA Church at Aiyetoro-Kiri in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. Worshippers were killed. At least 20 people were abducted. [source]
Other communities in Mopamuro and Kabba/Bunu suffered simultaneous attacks. Many residents died. Others were carried off into the bush. Fear spread quickly. Locals report that attacks now happen at random. No one is safe. Read also Bello Turji on the Run as Military Launches Precision Offensive
Reported Kidnapping of Two Chiefs
While national media have not confirmed all details, local sources report that two chiefs were abducted. [source] Traditional leaders remain vulnerable. They mediate disputes, travel between villages, and serve as community liaisons. Criminals target them for ransom or leverage.
The Chronology of Violence and Abductions in Kogi
December 3, 2025 — Church Service Attack and Kidnappings
Gunmen attacked a church service in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA. They abducted the pastor, his wife, and others during a Sunday service. [source]
December 14, 2025 — Aiyetoro-Kiri Community Assault
Armed groups raided the First ECWA Church and neighbouring villages. At least one worshipper was killed. Dozens were abducted. The attack spread across Kabba/Bunu and Mopamuro LGAs. [source]
Late December — Early January — Phased Releases of Captives
Ransom negotiations led to the release of abductees in groups. The first batch was freed on January 1, 2026. More followed on January 12 and 13. [source]
January 21, 2026 — Final Batch Freed
The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association confirmed the last six abductees were released on January 21, 2026. This ended weeks of trauma for dozens of residents. [source]
Why Kogi Is Vulnerable
Geography and Lack of Coverage
Kogi’s riverine terrain and dense bush make patrols difficult. Bandits use forest corridors to raid villages. They escape easily. [source]
Weak Local Security Architecture
The Nigerian Army and police respond, but delays are common. Locals report that security is reactive. They want preventive patrols. Governor Usman Ododo met defense and security chiefs for stronger action. [source]
The Human Impact
Families in Crisis
Kidnappings devastate families. Ransom negotiations drag on. Loved ones suffer emotionally and financially. The fear is constant. People live in uncertainty.
Community Fear and Disruption
Schools, markets, and churches operate under heavy security. Attendance drops. Anxiety spreads. Children fear school. Adults avoid travel. Communities question how to protect leaders when even chiefs can be abducted.
Armed Forces and Security Operations
Nigerian Army units and police brigades work to disrupt bandit networks. Troops rescued six kidnapped victims in forest operations near Ejiba and Saminaka. [source] Soldiers foiled ambushes and freed other hostages. [source]
Government and Community Responses
Calls for Stronger Federal Action
Officials face pressure to deliver results. Citizens want proactive patrols. They want better intelligence and trained local units. Responses must be preventive, not reactive.
Community Vigilance Groups
Residents form neighborhood watches. Volunteers patrol early warnings. They act to stop intrusions before escalation.
What Comes Next
Kogi’s crisis reflects Nigeria’s broader security challenge. Kidnapping of chiefs signals evolution in tactics. Communities and governments must adapt quickly. Stronger measures, intelligence sharing, and community engagement are critical to prevent these attacks from becoming normal.
References & Further Reading
- Bello Turji on the Run as Military Launches Precision Offensive
- Nigerian Forces Rescue 62 Hostages and Kill Two Militants
- TERRORISTS MASS GRAVE UNCOVERED IN BORNO STATE.
- Security updates Nigeria
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