23rd November 2025, Published by Cyril
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, held a special service on Sunday inside its blood-stained auditorium, praying for the safe return of abducted members and the repose of those killed during Tuesday’s violent bandit attack.
The church officially confirmed that 38 worshippers were abducted, correcting earlier reports that claimed over 60 people were taken.
- “The rumour that over 60 people were kidnapped is not true. I have a list with their phone numbers. We don’t want any misinformation. We have 38 people inside the bush. Three died, and one victim is in the hospital receiving treatment,” said church secretary Michael Agbabiaka.
Agbabiaka disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million per victim, later reducing the ransom to N20 million each before cutting off communication on Friday. Despite the fear and shock gripping the town, the church encouraged members to attend Sunday service to strengthen their faith.
- “We thank God for life today. You can see that only a few people came because it has not been easy. But God gave us courage. We also thank the government for deploying security. They are patrolling the town, and even here in the church, security operatives are present,” he added.
During the service, presiding pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the attack as a test of faith and quoted 2 Peter 3:10, assuring worshippers of divine intervention for the abducted victims.
- “The first promise God gave me is that all our kidnapped members will gain freedom very soon. They will not die in captivity. God says He will assist us. Our children, mothers, and wives will come out strong. It will be a miracle to the world when our people regain their freedom,” he said.
Pastor Lawrence further linked the rising insecurity in Nigeria to biblical prophecies, urging worshippers not to fear.
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Among those affected, James Ige, whose wife and son were abducted, pleaded with authorities to intensify rescue efforts:
- “I beg the government and security agencies to do everything within their capacity to bring my family back safely.”
NAIJABLOGDAILY observed a heavy security presence in Eruku, including soldiers, SWAT operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara State Police Command, and local vigilante groups, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a joint operation to track down the attackers.
Kwara State has seen a rise in bandit attacks, particularly in border communities in Ekiti and Kaima LGAs, with the Eruku church attack adding to growing concerns over expanding criminal networks across Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.
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