CAC CHURCH HOLDS SERVICE IN BLOOD-SPLATTERED AUDITORIUM, CONFIRMS 38 WORSHIPPERS ABDUCTED IN KWARA ATTACK
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The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, on Sunday held a sombre service inside its blood-stained auditorium, praying for the safe return of abducted members and the repose of those killed during Tuesday’s deadly bandit attack.
Contrary to earlier figures circulating on social media, the church has officially confirmed that 38 people were kidnapped, including three non-members, while three worshippers were killed and one is being treated in hospital.
Speaking with journalist, church secretary Michael Agbabiaka clarified that an initial list of 35 abducted persons was revised after verification revealed additional victims.
“The rumour that over 60 people were kidnapped is not true. I have a list with their phone numbers. We don’t want misinformation. We have 38 people inside the bush. Three died, and one victim is in the hospital,” he said.
Agbabiaka also revealed that the kidnappers, who first demanded ₦100 million per victim, later reduced the ransom to ₦20 million each before stopping communication on Friday.
Despite widespread fear in the community, the church encouraged members to attend Sunday service to strengthen their faith.
“You can see that only a few people came because it has not been easy. But God gave us courage,” Agbabiaka added, noting increased security presence around the church.
During the service, presiding pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the attack as a test of faith, citing 2 Peter 3:10, and assured worshippers that the abducted victims would return safely.
“The first promise God gave me is that all our kidnapped members will gain freedom very soon. They will not die in captivity,” he declared.
“It will be a miracle to the world when our people regain their freedom.”
One of the affected worshippers, James Ige, whose wife and son were seized, made an emotional appeal to the authorities:
“I beg the government and security agencies to do everything within their capacity to bring my family back safely.”
A heavy deployment of security personnel was observed in Eruku on Sunday, including soldiers, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara State Police Command, and vigilante groups.
The intensified operations follow President Bola Tinubu’s directive for joint forces to track the attackers and rescue the hostages.
Kwara State, especially border communities in Ekiti and Kaima LGAs, has witnessed an increase in bandit incursions. The Eruku attack adds to growing fears over expanding criminal activity targeting residents, travellers, and now, places of worship across Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.
Security operations to rescue the remaining abductees are ongoing.
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