Tension has continued to mount in Kwara State following a fresh attack by terrorists who abducted members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area. The attackers, who stormed the church during an evening service on Tuesday, have now demanded a staggering ₦100 million ransom for each of the abductees, bringing the total demand to an estimated ₦3.8 billion for the 38 people believed to be in captivity.
The heavily armed bandits invaded the church at about 6:06 p.m. while worshippers were holding a thanksgiving service. Witnesses said the gunmen shot sporadically as they advanced, causing worshippers to flee in panic. In the chaos that followed, three people were killed while dozens were taken away into the forest bordering the community.
A Community in Pain
Among the victims are members of the household of the Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, who confirmed that four of his relatives were abducted. Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Chief Olukotun recounted the terrifying moment the bandits struck.
According to him, he was inside the church with five members of his family when the attackers surrounded the building. He managed to escape with one of his wards by jumping through the church’s window, but the remaining four were whisked away.
“From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they have grouped the victims according to their family ties,” he said. “They are now contacting our people through each group. Some people in the community have already received calls. The kidnappers are demanding ₦100 million per person. But I personally have not yet received any call concerning my own relatives, so I am still waiting.”
Chief Olukotun described the situation as deeply traumatic for families of the victims, many of whom are struggling emotionally and financially as they hope for the safe return of their loved ones.
Church Confirms 30–35 Abducted
The pastor in charge of the church, Pastor Abiodun Bamidele, also confirmed that the attackers took between 30 and 35 members. He explained that the worshippers had gathered that evening for a thanksgiving service held in honour of 18 church members who were kidnapped three weeks earlier but eventually rescued.
“There was an incident when the bandits came, and they kidnapped almost 30 to 35 members of the church,” Pastor Bamidele lamented. “We were doing a Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped here three weeks ago and were all rescued. We never imagined that they would strike again so soon.”
He described the renewed attack as a heartbreaking setback for a congregation that was just beginning to heal from the previous ordeal.
Protest Erupts as Youths Block Ilorin–Kabba Highway
Angered by what they described as a lack of government protection, youths from the Eruku community poured onto the streets on Wednesday morning in a massive protest. They barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba highway, one of the major entry routes into the town, causing significant traffic gridlock for several hours.
The protesters accused security operatives stationed in the community of failing to respond during the attack, even though the gunmen operated for nearly an hour.
A youth leader, Peter Adesiyan, was particularly critical of the Nigeria Police Force. According to him, the community had invested heavily in helping the police division acquire facilities and logistics, yet officers allegedly failed to respond when residents made distress calls.
“It is heartbreaking that despite our support in building facilities for the security agencies here, there was no meaningful response when the attackers came,” Adesiyan said. “The attack lasted close to an hour. People were screaming. Shots were being fired. Yet no one showed up.”
He described the situation as unacceptable and urged authorities to overhaul the security architecture of the area.
Governor Calls for Reinforcement
Reacting to the development, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attack and called for immediate reinforcement of security operatives in Ekiti Local Government Area.
In a statement issued late Tuesday night, the governor urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and launch a coordinated rescue operation to ensure the safe return of the abductees. He also appealed for calm among residents while assuring them that the government would not relent in confronting the country’s worsening security challenges.
The governor said he had already requested urgent additional deployment from federal security formations to help curtail the rising wave of attacks on border communities. Eruku, which shares boundaries with Kogi State, has recently witnessed a spike in criminal activities, largely attributed to its proximity to dense forests that criminal gangs use as hideouts.
Growing Security Concerns in Kwara’s Border Towns
The attack on the Eruku church adds to the growing list of security incidents in Kwara’s border communities. The region has faced increasing threats from bandits fleeing heightened military operations in neighbouring states. Residents say the attackers move freely through forest routes connecting Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, and Niger States.
Local leaders have repeatedly warned that without stronger security presence and intelligence gathering, these communities may continue to be soft targets for kidnappers and terrorist groups.
Tuesday’s attack, they say, was yet another wake-up call.
“This is beyond isolated attacks,” a local vigilante source who spoke anonymously said. “These terrorists operate with confidence because they know the terrain, and they know security presence is weak. Unless government deploys more men and proper equipment, this will continue.”
Families in Agony, Waiting for Calls
As the ransom demands pour in, families have been thrown into emotional turmoil. With each phone call from the kidnappers, new waves of fear and anxiety sweep through the community.
For many residents of Eruku, raising ₦100 million per family member is impossible. Community members say the ransom amount suggests the attackers believe the victims have wealthy relatives—an assumption they insist is far from reality.
“This is a rural community,” said a resident. “Who here can pay ₦100 million? We are begging government to intervene because these people may kill them if we cannot raise the money.”
A Community Hoping for Rescue
For now, Eruku remains on edge. Houses are in mourning, businesses have shut down, and many residents are afraid to venture out after sunset. What was once a thriving town has been plunged into fear and uncertainty.
As families wait for news of their loved ones, and as security forces prepare for what may be a difficult rescue mission, the people of Kwara State are left hoping that the victims will return safely—and that their communities will one day be free of the terror that has taken root in recent years.
