Bandits Demand ₦100M Ransom From Families Of Kidnapped Kwara Worshippers

 

Bandits who abducted about 35 worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Eruku community, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State, have reportedly demanded ₦100 million ransom for each victim.

The attackers stormed the church during a service on Tuesday evening, killing some worshippers and taking others away. A live-streamed video of the incident captured the moment gunshots erupted around the church premises, causing panic.

According to reports, multiple family members and community leaders confirmed on Thursday that the abductors have begun contacting relatives using the victims’ phones.

Josiah Agbabiaka, secretary of the CAC assembly, said several families had already been reached.

“It is true that the bandits have begun calling family members using the victims’ phones. From what we heard, they grouped the victims. The first group of 11 people has been asked to pay ₦100 million each,” Agbabiaka told said.

Olusegun Olukotun, the Olori Eta of Eruku—whose four family members were kidnapped—also confirmed the ransom demands and said the abductors were contacting relatives in batches.

“Some people in the community have received calls demanding ₦100 million per person. They said the victims were grouped, and they are calling each group’s relatives,” he said.

Olukotun, who was inside the church with five relatives during the attack, said he managed to escape through a window while others were captured.

Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of Eruku, Oba Busari Olarewaju, has called for urgent government action to ensure the victims’ safe return. He commended the swift deployment of soldiers to the community shortly after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s visit on Wednesday but stressed that additional efforts are needed.

“The arrival of soldiers shortly after the governor’s visit gave us some comfort that the government is responding. But we appeal for intensified efforts so our people can be rescued quickly,” the monarch said.