Bandits who abducted 38 worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded a ransom of N3.8 billion for their release. The attackers reportedly contacted families of the victims on Thursday, insisting on N100 million per abductee.
A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, confirmed that he was among those contacted. Four of his relatives were kidnapped during the attack. Olukotun said he was in the church with five family members when the gunmen invaded at about 6:06 p.m., adding that he managed to escape through a window with one of his wards.
“From what we gathered from the kidnappers, they have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the groups,” he said. He appealed for increased security presence in Eruku, a border community, and called for better equipment for vigilante members to help counter future attacks.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council described the incident as sad, dastardly, and unpatriotic. He said the attack came at a time when governments at all levels were intensifying efforts to tackle banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes. The Emir urged security agencies to mobilise more personnel to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers and prayed for the repose of those killed.
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has also sought urgent security reinforcement in Ekiti Local Government Area, particularly around the Eruku axis, following Tuesday’s attack in which masked gunmen killed about five people, injured several others, and kidnapped multiple worshippers, including a pastor.
In a statement, his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, said: “The governor has sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area. He requested that this new measure be activated immediately.”
The governor condemned the attack, sympathised with the affected families and the CAC congregation, and assured residents that the state government would continue supporting security agencies to safeguard lives and property. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for deploying 900 additional troops to Kwara, noting that the move had already contributed to improved security in affected areas.
“We are confident that the additional troops will provide further deterrence, overall safety for our people, and permanent calm,” the statement added.
