Afeez Ayinde SaheedBandits have reportedly placed a ransom demand of N100 million per victim for the release of 38 worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun — whose four relatives are among those taken — confirmed the development to LEADERSHIP on Thursday.
Olukotun, who said he was inside the church with five family members during the attack, explained that he and one ward managed to flee through a window at about 6:06 p.m. when the gunmen struck.
He revealed that the kidnappers had since opened communication with some residents, demanding N100 million for each of the 38 abductees.
“From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they (kidnappers) have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the groups.
Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding N100m for each person, but as regards my own people, I have not received any call concerning them, so I am still waiting,” he said.
Olukotun expressed appreciation to the government, particularly Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for showing concern, while appealing for stronger security deployment in Eruku, which shares a border with other states.
He also urged authorities to equip local vigilantes with more effective weapons to match the firepower of the attackers.
On Tuesday, armed men stormed a live-streamed service at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, killing two people and abducting several worshippers. A vigilante member, Segun Ajala, was also injured and taken to the hospital.
The deceased were identified as Tunde Ajayi, whose body was discovered in the bush, and Mr. Aderemi, who was shot in the church.
The attack adds to mounting concerns over religious-targeted violence, with similar incidents recorded in Okene, Kogi State, and Owo in Ondo State.
While some allege that authorities are downplaying the pattern of attacks, officials insist that terrorists target anyone who opposes their ideology, regardless of religious affiliation.
The incident has attracted global attention, contributing to the U.S. government’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom.
