Eruku, Kwara State – The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun in Eruku, held its first service on Sunday, five days after a deadly attack by bandits left three worshippers dead and dozens abducted.
The church confirmed that 38 persons remain in captivity. Michael Agbabiaka, the Church Secretary, said an initial list of 35 names was later updated after verification identified three additional non-members who were also kidnapped.
“Rumours that over 60 people were abducted are not true. We have 38 people still in the bush. Three people died, and one is in the hospital receiving treatment. I have their names and phone numbers. We don’t want misinformation,” he said.
Agbabiaka also revealed that the bandits initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million per victim, which was later negotiated down to ₦20 million before communication with the abductors broke off on Friday, November 21.
Presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the attack as a test of faith.
“God assured me that the abducted worshippers will return alive,” he told the congregation, drawing parallels with the biblical trials of the Israelites.
One worshipper, James Ige, whose wife and son were among those kidnapped, appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. “Our family’s fate depends on the government’s swift action,” he said.
Security operatives, including soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police Command, and local vigilantes, were heavily deployed across Eruku following directives from President Bola Tinubu to track the attackers and rescue the victims.
Eyewitnesses described the bandits as heavily armed, entering the church suddenly on Tuesday night and forcing residents to flee. Two persons were reportedly killed instantly, while others were abducted during the attack.
Despite fear and trauma, church leaders encouraged members to attend Sunday’s service.
“Only a few people are present, but we thank God for life and for strengthening us. We also appreciate the government for deploying security operatives who are now patrolling the town and the church,” Agbabiaka added.
