The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State held a solemn service on Sunday, days after bandits attacked the church, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others.
The usually large congregation recorded only about 30 worshippers as prayers dominated the one-hour service, focusing on the safe return of the kidnapped members and comfort for the families of the deceased.
In his sermon, Pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the incident as a test of faith, saying he had received divine reassurance that the abducted members would return safely. He urged worshippers not to fear death, insisting that the three victims killed in the attack “are at the feet of Jesus Christ.”
A church member, James Ige, appealed to security agencies for urgent intervention, noting that his wife and son are among those still in captivity.
Church Secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, clarified that 38 people were abducted, correcting earlier reports which claimed over 60 victims. He said the initial list contained 35 names, with three additional non-members later confirmed to have been taken.
Agbabiaka disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦100 million per victim but later reduced the ransom to ₦20 million each before communication ceased on Friday.
Security presence has since been intensified in Eruku, with soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad, SWAT operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police Command, and local vigilantes deployed. The operation follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for joint security action to track the attackers and rescue the victims.
