The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, held its first service on Sunday, five days after a deadly bandit attack that left three worshippers dead and dozens abducted.
During the service, church officials clarified the number of victims still in captivity. The ceremony, held inside the blood-stained auditorium where the attack occurred last Tuesday, was dominated by prayers for the release of the kidnapped and for the repose of the deceased.
The Church Secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, confirmed that 38 people were abducted. While the initial list included 35 names, a verification exercise revealed three additional non-members were also kidnapped during the attack.
“Rumours that over 60 people were abducted are not true. We have 38 people still in the bush. Three people died, and one is in the hospital receiving treatment. I have their names and phone numbers. We don’t want misinformation,” Agbabiaka said.
He also disclosed that the bandits initially demanded ₦100 million per victim, but negotiations reduced the ransom to ₦20 million each before communication broke off on Friday, November 21, 2025.
Despite fear and trauma, church leaders encouraged members to attend the service as a show of faith and resilience.
“As you can see, only a few people are present, but we thank God for life and for strengthening us. We also appreciate the government for deploying security operatives who are now patrolling the town and the church,” Agbabiaka added.
In his sermon, Presiding Pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the attack as a test of faith, saying he received divine assurance regarding the safety of the kidnapped worshippers. He likened their ordeal to the biblical trials of the Israelites and assured the congregation that God promised their safe return.
One worshipper, James Ige, whose wife and son were among those abducted, appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, saying his family’s fate depends on swift government action.
Security forces, including soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police Command, and local vigilantes, have been deployed across Eruku. The deployment followed directives from President Bola Tinubu for joint operations to track the attackers and rescue the victims.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen stormed the church at night, heavily armed, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes. Two people were killed instantly during the attack.
