-
Bandits abducted 38 worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Kwara; each victim faces N100m ransom demand.
-
Two people killed, one injured during the attack; local vigilantes appeal for better arms and support.
-
Incident highlights rising insecurity in Kwara and border communities; government urged to strengthen protection measures.
Kwara State residents are grappling with a fresh wave of insecurity after bandits abducted 38 worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti local government area.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded N100 million per victim, totaling N3.8 billion. A community leader, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, whose four relatives were among the abducted, confirmed the ransom demand to LEADERSHIP on Thursday.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Olukotun explained that he and one of his wards escaped the attack through a church window around 6:06 p.m. on the day of the incident. He said some community members have already received calls from the kidnappers, though he is still waiting to be contacted regarding his relatives.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Man Shares Update on Side Chick Fighting Over His Sister’s Late Husband’s Property
He appealed to the government, particularly Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for increased security presence in Eruku, describing the community as a vulnerable border area. Olukotun also urged the fortification of local vigilante groups with modern combat equipment to match the armed assailants.
The attack, which occurred during a live-streamed church service, also left two people dead—identified as Tunde Ajayi, whose body was discovered in a bush, and Mr. Aderemi, shot inside the church. A local vigilante, Segun Ajala, was injured and hospitalized.
This violent incident comes amid growing concerns over attacks on Christians in Nigeria, with similar events reported in Okene, Kogi, and Owo, Ondo State. Authorities maintain that terrorists target all individuals opposing their ideology, regardless of religion.
The case has attracted international attention, with the U.S. redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom.
