Kwara Church Attack: Bandits Demand ₦100m Ransom Per Victim

Kwara Church Attack: Bandits Demand ₦100m Ransom Per Victim

Bandits who attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Igan, Eruku, in Kwara State on Tuesday have reportedly demanded ₦100 million ransom per person for the release of abducted worshippers, bringing the total demand to more than ₦3 billion.

Pastor Lawrence Bamidele, who oversees the church, confirmed that 30 to 35 worshippers were seized mid-service during the violent attack in Ekiti Local Government Area.

Family members and community leaders said on Thursday that the kidnappers had begun contacting relatives using the phones of those abducted.
Elder Josiah Agbabiaka, secretary of the church, said the victims were divided into groups.
“The first group of 11 people has been asked to pay ₦100m each,” he said.

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Chief Olusegun Olukotun, the Olori Eta of Eruku, also confirmed receiving calls from the kidnappers. Four of his relatives are among those taken. He recounted how he escaped through a window while five family members remained inside the church.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olarewaju, appealed for intensified rescue efforts, noting that soldiers were deployed to the community shortly after the governor’s visit.
“We are still appealing that efforts should be intensified to rescue our people as quickly as possible,” he said.

However, the Kwara State Police Command said it had not received any official report of ransom demands.
“We are not aware of any demand for ransom or contact made to the family members of the victims,” spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said. She added that joint tactical units and the military were carrying out operations to track the attackers.

The Eruku church attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Kwara State, heightening fears as communities previously considered safe now confront rising insecurity.

Kwara Church Attack: Bandits Demand ₦100m Ransom Per Victim