Kwara Church bandits demand N3 billion ransom for abducted worshippers

The bandits responsible for the mass abduction of worshippers from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, have reportedly demanded a colossal N100 million ransom for each victim.
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The attack, which occurred during a Tuesday evening service, resulted in the kidnapping of an estimated 30 to 35 worshipers. Family and community sources confirmed on Thursday that abductors are contacting relatives with the steep demand.
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Elder Josiah Agbabiaka, the church secretary, and Chief Olusegun Olukotun, whose four family members were among the abducted, confirmed that the kidnappers had begun contacting relatives using the victims’ phones. The abductors are reportedly grouping the victims, with the first group of 11 being asked to pay N100 million each.
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The Police Public Relations Officer for the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated the police were not aware of any demand for ransom or contact made to the family members. She assured the public that a multi-agency tactical team, including the military, is making concerted efforts to rescue the victims.
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The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olarewaju, while commending the military deployment, appealed for rescue operations to be intensified to rescue the people kidnapped as quickly as possible.
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Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, condemned the assault, emphasizing that the incident adds to a pattern of repeated assaults on Christian populations in vulnerable regions. He demanded a transparent investigation into security lapses and swift action to rescue the worshippers.
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The families and traditional authorities, like Chief Olukotun, are caught between the overwhelming demand for ransom and the hope in government intervention. They prayed for the safe return of their loved ones.
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