Armed terrorists released a distressing 38-second video on December 20, 2025, showing dozens of kidnapped Nigerian churchgoers.
Many of them young children and elderly over 70—huddled in a forest, appearing weak and terrified.
The footage escalates pressure on authorities just days after the terrorists demanded a staggering N600 million ransom.
Terrorists stormed churches in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Sunday, December 14, during morning services.
First, they targeted the First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), firing shots indiscriminately and killing a seminary graduate known as Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi (J.J.).
Then, they moved to the nearby Apostolic Church, seizing more victims.
Eyewitnesses report the terrorists operated boldly for hours.
They surrounded the rural farming community, forced some captives back home to fetch cash, and selectively abducted the most vulnerable: over 12 children aged 3–8 and more than 10 elderly individuals.
Community sources confirm at least 37 worshippers vanished in the raid.
Meanwhile, Kogi State officials initially reported 13 abductions, but local accounts and independent outlets like Sahara Reporters insist the toll reaches 37, highlighting vulnerable groups.
Residents fled en masse after the attack.
By December 18, streets stood deserted as families relocated to safer towns, fearing further violence.
This incident marks the third major assault on Aiyetoro Kiri in 2025 alone.
Consequently, terrorists contacted the community days later, insisting on direct negotiations with the government.
However, they soon issued the massive ransom demand and threats of “severe consequences” if unmet.
Furthermore, today’s video—circulating on social media—serves as proof of life while amplifying the captives’ plight.
It shows distressed elderly men and women alongside scared children in a wooded hideout.
Human rights groups, including Christian Solidarity Worldwide, condemn the attack as part of escalating terrorism targeting Christian communities in central Nigeria.
In addition, clergy and locals demand urgent federal intervention amid rising insecurity pushed from neighboring states.
Security forces, including army troops and local hunters, pursue the terrorists in surrounding forests.
Yet, no rescues have occurred, and families endure agonizing waits as Christmas approaches.
This brazen church raid underscores Nigeria’s persistent kidnapping crisis, where terrorist groups exploit rural vulnerabilities for lucrative ransoms.
