₦airaland Forum

Armed bandits attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, early on Sunday, December 14, 2025, leaving one person dead and several worshippers reportedly abducted.

The deceased, identified only as Jayjay, was reportedly killed during the assault.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of kidnapped worshippers remains unconfirmed, as local authorities and security operatives continue to assess the situation.

This marks 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 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.

The latest attack has reignited concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Okun land, with locals urging urgent intervention from security agencies and the Kogi State Government to protect lives and prevent further incidents.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the presidential seat of power in Abuja, on Friday, his first Aso Rock trip since President Bola Tinubu was sworn into office.

Obasanjo, a major critic of the current administration, has stayed away from the Presidential Villa even when invited for crucial events like the Council of State meetings.

At the height of the seeming diplomatic face-off between the Tinubu and Trump administrations, Obasanjo had fired an indirect shot at the President, saying under his watch, America did not take any major action in Africa without informing Nigeria.

Obasanjo said this after Trump warned that America could deploy troops to Nigeria if the Federal Government failed to stop “killing of Christians”.

While Obasanjo did not mention the controversy directly, he recalled a period when Nigeria was regarded as Africa’s clear leader. He said Nigeria once commanded strong international respect, noting that late President Jimmy Carter would always notify Nigeria before any U.S. move in Africa.

“They were not seeking permission, but they would inform us,” he had said.

But on Friday, the Nigerian leader was one of the guests at the Presidential Villa when First Lady Oluremi Tinubu hosted the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, themed “Emmanuel: God With Us.”

According to a statement issued by the First Lady’s media office, Obasanjo read the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15-18, emphasising God’s covenant of blessing through obedience.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who was also a guest, read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8-12, recounting humanity’s early encounter with divine accountability.

The host read the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1-14, affirming the Word made flesh dwelling among us. The congregation rose for the resounding Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful.

Christmas Carol is an annual event which Christians hold around this period of the year.