The Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Oke Isegun, located in Eruku, Kwara State, held a solemn Sunday service in its blood-stained sanctuary following a violent bandit attack that left several worshippers abducted and others dead. The service was aimed at praying for the safe return of the kidnapped members and the repose of those who lost their lives during the Tuesday incident.
Okay News reports that the church officially confirmed the abduction of 38 worshippers, correcting earlier social media claims that suggested a higher number. Michael Agbabiaka, the church secretary, explained that initial records identified 35 abducted members, but a subsequent verification revealed three additional non-members were also taken, bringing the total to 38.
“The rumour that over 60 people were kidnapped is not true. I have a list with their phone numbers. We do not want any misinformation. We have 38 people inside the bush. Three died, and one victim is in the hospital receiving treatment,” Agbabiaka said.
He also disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million per victim but later reduced the demand to N20 million after negotiations. However, communication from the abductors was cut off on Friday. Despite the prevailing fear in Eruku, the church encouraged members to attend the service, citing the importance of faith.
“We thank God for life today. You can see that only a few people came because it has not been easy. But God gave us courage. We also thank the government for deploying security. They are patrolling the town, and even here in the church, security operatives are present,” Agbabiaka added.
Pastor Bamidele Lawrence, who led the service, described the attack as a test of faith. Citing 2 Peter 3:10, he assured worshippers that divine intervention would ensure the safe return of the kidnapped members.
“The first promise God gave me is that all our kidnapped members will gain freedom very soon. They will not die in captivity. God says He will assist us. Our children, mothers and wives will come out strong. It will be a miracle to the world when our people regain their freedom,” Lawrence said.
Affected worshipper James Ige, whose wife and son were among those abducted, appealed to authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
“I beg the government and security agencies to do everything within their capacity to bring my family back safely,” he pleaded.
Security forces were heavily deployed across Eruku on Sunday, including soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara State Police Command, and local vigilante groups. This follows directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a joint operation to track the attackers and rescue the victims.
Kwara State has seen rising bandit attacks, particularly in border communities across Ekiti and Kaima Local Government Areas. The Eruku church abduction adds to a worrying trend targeting residents, travelers, and now worshippers, highlighting the expanding reach of criminal networks in Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.
