Kwara church holds service after attack, confirms 38 members abducted

The Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, held a special service on Sunday inside its blood-stained auditorium, praying for the safe return of abducted worshippers and the repose of those killed in Tuesday’s bandit attack.

The church formally confirmed that 38 people were kidnapped, countering earlier social media reports claiming more than 60 victims.
The church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, told PUNCH Online that while 35 names were initially compiled, further checks revealed that three non-members were also taken.

“The rumour that over 60 people were kidnapped is false. We have a verified list with phone numbers. Thirty-eight people are still in the bush. Three died, and one person is in the hospital,” he said.

Agbabiaka added that the kidnappers, who first demanded ₦100 million per victim, reduced the ransom to ₦20 million before cutting off communication on Friday.

Despite fear and tension in the community, the church encouraged members to attend Sunday service to strengthen their faith.
“We thank God for life. Only a few people came today because it hasn’t been easy, but God gave us courage,” he said, also acknowledging the increased deployment of security personnel.

During the service, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the attack as a test of faith and assured members that God had promised freedom for all abducted victims.
“God says our children, mothers and wives will come out strong. It will be a miracle when our people return,” he said, urging members not to lose hope.

One worshipper, James Ige—whose wife and son were taken—appealed to authorities to intensify efforts.
“I beg the government and security agencies to do everything possible to bring my family back,” he said.

On Sunday, security operatives—including soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and local vigilantes—were seen across Eruku. The deployment follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a joint operation to track the attackers and rescue the victims.

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The Eruku church attack adds to the rising cases of bandit incursions across Kwara State, particularly in border areas shared with Ekiti and Kaima LGAs, heightening concerns over expanding criminal networks in Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.