Bandits split abducted Kwara church members into groups, demand N3bn ransom

The bandits behind Tuesday’s attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Igan in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have reportedly asked families of victims to pay N100 million per person for their release.

The total ransom demand is said to be over N3 billion as more than 30 worshippers were abducted from the church.

Pastor Lawrence Bamidele, who oversees the church, confirmed that between 30 and 35 worshippers were seized during the assault, which occurred mid-service.

Relatives and local leaders said on Thursday that the kidnappers had begun reaching out using the mobile phones of those taken.

Elder Josiah Agbabiaka, secretary of the church, said several families had already been contacted.“It is true that the bandits have started contacting family members using the victims’ phones to demand ransom,” Agbabiaka said.“From what we were told, they grouped the victims. The first group of 11 people has been asked to pay N100m each.”

Chief Olusegun Olukotun, the Olori Eta of Eruku, also confirmed the calls. His four relatives are among those abducted.“Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding N100m for each person. They said the victims were grouped, and they are calling each group’s relatives,” he said.

Olukotun recounted being inside the church with five family members when the attack unfolded. He escaped through a window while others were taken.

In the wake of the incident, the Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olarewaju, appealed to authorities to step up rescue efforts, noting that military personnel had already been deployed shortly after the governor’s visit.“Last night, soldiers entered our community minutes after the governor visited. Their presence gave us some assurance that the government is responding,” he said.“But we are still appealing that efforts should be intensified to rescue our people as quickly as possible.”

However, the Kwara State Police Command said it had not received any official report regarding 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, the military and other security agencies were already conducting operations in the area.“The CP assures residents that the police will continue to do everything possible to secure lives and property in Kwara State,” she said.

The Eruku attack adds to a string of violent incidents in Kwara, sparking renewed fears as communities once considered safe now grapple with rising insecurity.

(PUNCH)