December 14, 2025 — Dalena Reporters
Armed terrorist have attacked an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation in Kogi State, killing many worshipper and abducting several others during a violent assault that has further heightened fears over the deteriorating security situation across rural communities in the state.
According to reports obtained by DalenaReporters, the attack occurred while congregants were gathered for a church service, when gunmen stormed the premises, shooting sporadically and causing panic among worshippers. Many members of the church were fatally shot during the raid, while others were forcefully taken away by the attackers.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers, overwhelming the unprotected worship centre and operating for several minutes without resistance before fleeing with their captives into nearby bush paths. Survivors described scenes of chaos as worshippers attempted to escape amid gunfire.
Local residents said the affected church is located in a community that has repeatedly complained of lack of security presence, despite rising cases of banditry and kidnapping in surrounding areas. “They came freely and left freely. There was no help,” a resident said.
The attack on the ECWA church adds to a growing pattern of assaults on religious institutions, particularly in rural parts of Nigeria, where criminals increasingly exploit remote locations and weak security infrastructure to carry out abductions for ransom.
Community leaders condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on innocent civilians and freedom of worship, and called on both the Kogi State Government and federal security agencies to urgently deploy security forces to vulnerable communities to prevent further bloodshed.
Residents also expressed fears that the abducted worshippers may be held for ransom, a tactic commonly employed by bandit groups operating across north-central Nigeria. As of press time, no ransom demand had been publicly confirmed.
The Kogi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report. However, security sources indicated that efforts were underway to track the attackers and secure the release of the abducted victims.
Kogi State has witnessed a sharp rise in kidnappings, armed attacks, and bandit incursions, particularly in border and rural communities linking neighbouring states. Analysts warn that without sustained security operations and improved intelligence gathering, attacks on soft targets such as churches, markets, and farms may continue.
The latest attack has left the affected community in mourning and deepened calls for decisive government action to restore security and protect lives, as residents grapple with fear and uncertainty over what may come next.