Armed bandits who abducted 38 worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have reportedly demanded a ₦100 million ransom per victim.
Church Attack Details
The attackers stormed the church during a service on Tuesday, seizing dozens of congregants, including families worshipping together. Community sources revealed that the kidnappers contacted relatives on Thursday, insisting on a total ransom amounting to billions of naira.
Eyewitness Account
A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, said four of his relatives were among those abducted. He recounted that he had been in the church with five family members during the attack but escaped with one ward through a window around 6:06 p.m.
“From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the groups. Some people in the community have received calls demanding ₦100m per person,” he said.
Community and Government Response
Olukotun commended the Kwara State government, particularly Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for reaching out to the community following the incident. He urged the state to strengthen security in Eruku, citing the border location as a factor that makes it vulnerable to criminal incursions.
He also called for better support for local vigilante groups, including stronger and more sophisticated security equipment to match the firepower of the kidnappers. According to him, adequately equipped community security outfits could protect lives and property and enhance resilience against further attacks.
