Eruku: CAC Oke Isegun holds first church service after Tuesday’s bandit attack

By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho –

The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Sunday held its first service following the bandit attack that killed three worshippers and led to the abduction of 38 others.

The service, conducted in the same blood-stained auditorium where the incident occurred last Tuesday, was devoted to prayers for the safe return of those still in captivity.

During the service, the church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, provided an updated account of the victims, confirming that 38 people were abducted, disputing exaggerated figures previously shared on social media. He said the church initially identified 35 names but later discovered that three non-members were also taken.

“Claims that over 60 people were kidnapped are untrue,” Agbabiaka told Sobi FM. “We have 38 people still held, three fatalities, and one person receiving hospital care.”

He added that the kidnappers first demanded N100 million per victim before reducing the ransom to N20 million, after which communication stopped on Friday.

Despite fear among members, the church leadership encouraged attendance as a demonstration of resilience. Although turnout was low, Agbabiaka expressed gratitude for the security presence now stationed in the town and around the church.

Preaching during the service, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the tragedy as a trial of faith and assured congregants that he had received divine reassurance that all abducted worshippers would return alive.

One member, James Ige, whose wife and son are among the captives, called on security forces to intensify rescue operations.

According to Sobi FM, significant security reinforcement in Eruku includes soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara State Police Command, and local vigilantes.

The deployment follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for coordinated efforts to locate the attackers and rescue the victims.