The last six abductees taken from Aiyetoro Kiri community in Bunu land, Kogi State, have been released, bringing an end to a harrowing weeks-long ordeal that gripped the community.
The victims, kidnapped during an attack on December 14, 2025, were members of First ECWA Aiyetoro Kiri.
The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association (AKBDA) confirmed the release in a statement on Wednesday, describing it as the conclusion of a phased and challenging negotiation process with the abductors, locally referred to as bandits.
The phased release began earlier this year. The first seven abductees regained freedom on January 1, 2026, following initial ransom payments.
Three more were released on January 12, followed by fourteen additional victims the next day.
The release of the remaining six individuals marks the end of the crisis.
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AKBDA noted that securing the freedom of all the victims required substantial financial contributions from families, community members, and well-wishers, alongside sustained dialogue under tense and uncertain conditions.
Expressing relief, the association thanked God for the safe return of the abductees, as well as the families, community members, and supporters who stood by them throughout the ordeal.
They also acknowledged media organisations for keeping public attention focused on the kidnappings and amplifying calls for their release.
While celebrating the safe return of all abductees, AKBDA urged government authorities to strengthen security in Aiyetoro Kiri and the wider Bunu land, calling for decisive action to prevent similar attacks in the future.