Kogi Kidnap: Three Dead, Four Hospitalised, 30 Still Held After N15 Million Ransom

The Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, is in mourning following the deaths of three out of 37 people abducted from the ECWA church on December 14, 2025.

The region has long been plagued by frequent bandit attacks and worsening insecurity.

The deaths were confirmed on Saturday by the community spokesperson, David Ampitan, who said the victims’ release came after a N15 million ransom, raised through community contributions. Only seven victims were freed, three of whom were dead on arrival at medical facilities, while four others remain critically ill. The remaining 30 people are still in captivity, and their condition remains unknown.

Ampitan condemned the failure of security governance in the area, noting that instead of pursuing the bandits or protecting residents, the Kogi State Government, acting through Kabba-Bunu Local Government Chairman Zaccheus Dare Micheal, allegedly tear-gassed and arrested peaceful protesters demanding safety, justice, and the rescue of their loved ones.

He stated, “It is both ironic and unacceptable that a government entrusted with protecting lives would criminalise peaceful protest while bandits continue to terrorise citizens. Our people are exhausted from burying loved ones, paying ransoms, and living in constant fear while officials remain indifferent.”

The community is appealing to the Federal Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to take immediate action to rescue those still held, restore security, and hold accountable officials who enable or ignore this crisis. Ampitan emphasised, “The lives of Bunu people matter. Enough is sincerely ENOUGH.”

In a related development, Chairman Zaccheus Dare Micheal ordered the arrest of protesters who peacefully gathered along the Kabba–Lokoja road on Friday, expressing frustration over repeated bandit attacks. Last year, Micheal had warned against street protests over insecurity, and his directive led police to disperse demonstrators with tear gas and detain some participants.

Micheal, serving his first term as chairman, recently secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to contest for reelection in the council polls scheduled for October 2026.