The Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, returned to worship on Sunday despite the trauma of last week’s violent attack, confirming that 38 people are still being held by kidnappers.
The congregation gathered inside the stained and damaged auditorium, offering prayers for the safe rescue of their members and comfort for families of the three worshippers killed in the assault.
Church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, told PUNCH Online that updated records showed 38 hostages, including three non-members who were caught in the attack. He dismissed earlier claims suggesting more than 60 people were abducted.
According to him, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦100 million per victim but later reduced the figure to ₦20 million each before abruptly ending communication on Friday.
“Fear is still very present in the community, but we encouraged people to attend the service so we can draw strength from one another,” he said, noting the reduced turnout.
The presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the incident as a trial of faith and assured worshippers that the abducted members would regain freedom. He urged the congregation to remain hopeful, saying he believed divine intervention was imminent.
Residents of Eruku told reporters that security presence in the town has increased significantly. Soldiers, special police squads, anti-kidnapping units and local vigilantes have been deployed following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a coordinated operation to track the attackers.
One worshipper, James Ige, whose wife and child are among the abducted, appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts and prioritise the rescue mission. “My family is in the bush; I just want them home alive,” he said.
The attack has added to growing concerns over rising bandit activities across border communities in Kwara, particularly in Ekiti and Kaima LGAs. Recent incidents suggest that criminal groups operating across Kwara, Kogi and Niger States are expanding their targets to include places of worship.
Authorities say operations are ongoing as the search for the abducted worshippers continues.
