Days after armed bandits stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun, Eruku, killing three worshippers and abducting dozens, the congregation on Sunday held a sombre service inside the same blood-stained auditorium, praying for the safe return of their missing members.
The church officially confirmed that 38 people were kidnapped in Tuesday’s attack, dispelling earlier claims that more than 60 worshippers were taken.
Michael Agbabiaka, Church secretary, revealed that the initial list of 35 abducted persons was updated after discovering that three non-members were among those taken away.
“The rumour that over 60 people were kidnapped is not true. We have 38 people inside the bush. Three died, and one person is in the hospital. We don’t want any misinformation”, he said.
Read also: Kwara Church attack, Brig.-Gen.’s killing, others aim to destabilise Nigeria – Northern CAN
Agbabiaka disclosed that the kidnappers first demanded ₦100 million per victim, but later reduced the ransom to ₦20 million each before abruptly cutting off communication on Friday.
With families desperate for news and fear hanging over the community, church leaders encouraged members to attend Sunday service “to strengthen their faith.”
“Only a few people came because it has not been easy. But God gave us courage. We also thank the government, security operatives are patrolling the town and also stationed here in the church”, Agbabiaka admitted.
Bamidele Lawrence, the presiding pastor, described the attack as a test of faith and urged worshippers not to lose hope.
Quoting 2 Peter 3:10, he said he had received divine assurances about the kidnapped victims.
“The first promise God gave me is that all our kidnapped members will gain freedom very soon.
“They will not die in captivity. It will be a miracle to the world when our people regain their freedom”, he declared.
Lawrence also said Nigeria’s worsening insecurity was part of biblical end-time prophecies and encouraged the congregation to stay steadfast.
For many, the uncertainty is agonising. James Ige, whose wife and son were among those abducted, appealed to authorities to act swiftly.
“I beg the government and security agencies to do everything within their capacity to bring my family back safely,” he said.
Read also: Terrorists demand N100 million each for Kwara church abductees, families say
Residents reported an unusually heavy security presence across Eruku on Sunday.
Soldiers, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT officers, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara State Police Command, and local vigilante groups were seen patrolling major routes and securing the church premises.
The deployment follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a joint rescue operation to track the attackers and free the victims.
Kwara State has witnessed mounting bandit activities in recent months, particularly in border communities in Ekiti and Kaima LGAs.
