Kwara Churchgoers Attack: Bandits Request 3bn Ransom

The Kwara State Police Command has debunked a viral video claiming that the bandits who attacked Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area, have been arrested. The video, circulated widely on WhatsApp and Facebook, alleged that the attackers were apprehended less than 48 hours after Tuesday night’s deadly invasion.

Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi described the claim as “completely false,” stressing that no arrest has been made. She warned the public against spreading unverified information capable of inciting panic and disrupting ongoing rescue operations. Security operatives are currently conducting intensified operations around Eruku and neighbouring communities to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted worshippers.

At least 30 persons were kidnapped during the attack, while several others were killed when gunmen stormed the church during an evening service, shooting indiscriminately before marching worshippers into the surrounding forest.

Authorities and community members confirmed that the kidnappers have begun contacting families of the victims. A community leader, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, whose four relatives were abducted, said the kidnappers are demanding N100 million per victim. He explained that the abductees were grouped according to family ties, with the kidnappers reaching out to relatives individually to make their demands.

“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 group.
“Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding N100m for each person but as regard my own people I have not receive any call concerning them. So, I am still waiting,” he said.

Olukotun, who narrowly escaped through a window during the attack, appealed for increased security presence and better equipment for local vigilantes in border communities like Eruku, which have experienced repeated incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery.

The rising violence has drawn reactions from the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which expressed concern that the sophistication and frequency of recent attacks suggest possible complicity or attempts to undermine public confidence in the government.

The group called for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, the urgent implementation of the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the establishment of state police.

Afenifere also referenced the 2025 budget allocation of N6.576 trillion for security, stressing the need for transparent and effective utilisation of defence funds. It urged intelligence agencies to intensify surveillance of illegal mining sites and recommended engaging military veterans to support active security forces.

As security agencies continue rescue efforts, families of the abducted worshippers remain anxious, with some already receiving ransom calls.

The Kwara State Government has assured the community of ongoing support, while residents of Eruku continue to rally around affected families in hope of the victims’ safe return.