Terrorists Release Six More Abducted ECWA Worshipers in Kogi After Ransom was made
Kogi State, Nigeria — Six more worshipers abducted from an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation in Kogi State have been released after their captors received a ransom payment, according to family sources and community leaders. The freed individuals are among a larger group seized during a violent attack on an ECWA church service earlier this month, which plunged the community into fear and grief.
Relatives of the released worshipers confirmed that they were reunited with family members late Tuesday night. The six, visibly shaken but largely unharmed, were received by loved ones and local volunteers who had been coordinating relief efforts since their abduction.
Though authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the payment of a ransom, family representatives and community intermediaries say that negotiations with the terrorists concluded with a financial exchange secured to secure the release of the six captives. The released worshipers reportedly walked free soon after the transfer was made.
One relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed relief and gratitude: “Thank God they are back. It has been an agonizing wait. We hope the remaining captives will be freed soon.”
The initial abduction took place during a Sunday service when suspected terrorists stormed the church grounds in broad daylight, firing into the air and overwhelming the small security detail. Worshipers were rounded up and taken into the surrounding bushland, leaving the community in shock.
The attack drew widespread condemnation, with local leaders decrying what they called an assault on faith and the sanctity of religious worship.
Security agencies in Kogi State have been leading an ongoing investigation into the attack. Although the release of the six captives is being welcomed by the community, authorities are urging caution and continued vigilance.
A statement from a senior police official said that efforts are ongoing to locate and secure the release of the remaining abducted worshipers. “We are working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of all captives,” the official said, adding that the investigation is active and ongoing.
News of the release sparked a mix of relief and concern among local residents. While many are thankful to have six loved ones back home, communities remain anxious about the fate of those still in captivity.
Clergy members have called for prayers and increased security measures to protect worshipers, especially in rural areas where churches have increasingly become targets of bandit and terrorist attacks.
In a message to the broader community, one ECWA pastor emphasized resilience and faith: “We give thanks for their safe return, but we urge our people to continue standing firm in prayer and supporting one another through these difficult times”.
Local leaders are once again calling on both state and federal authorities to strengthen security deployments in vulnerable areas. They argue that regular patrols, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaborations between security agencies and local communities are essential to prevent similar incidents.
As the reunited worshipers begin recovery and reintegration with their families, attention turns to negotiations or security operations aimed at freeing those still in captivity. Community leaders and relatives continue to appeal to the government and security forces to accelerate efforts to end the cycle of abductions and restore peace to affected communities.
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