Bandits Demand ₦3bn Ransom For Abducted Kwara Worshippers

Bandits Demand ₦3bn Ransom for Abducted Kwara Worshippers

In a chilling development that underscores Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, armed bandits have demanded a staggering ₦3 billion ransom for worshippers abducted during a violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, left at least three people dead and plunged the community into mourning and fear.

According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen stormed the church during a service, opening fire and abducting between 30 and 35 worshippers. The pastor of the church, Abiodun Bamidele, confirmed that the attack disrupted a Thanksgiving service being held for 18 individuals who had previously been kidnapped in the same church three weeks earlier but were later rescued. The recurrence of such violence has heightened anxiety among residents and raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures in the area.

Community leaders have revealed that the kidnappers have begun contacting families of the abducted victims, demanding ₦100 million per person. Chief Olusegun Olukotun, the Olori Eta of Eruku, disclosed that four of his relatives were among those taken. He recounted how he narrowly escaped with one of his wards by fleeing through a church window as the attack unfolded around 6:06 p.m. The bandits reportedly grouped the victims according to their family ties and are now reaching out to relatives individually with ransom demands.

The attack has sparked outrage among residents, particularly the youth of Eruku, who staged a protest by blocking the Ilorin–Kabba highway. Their demonstration caused significant traffic disruption as they accused security operatives of failing to respond during the hour-long assault.

A youth leader, Peter Adesiyan, criticized the police for their inaction, despite the community’s investment in building facilities for the local division. This perceived neglect has deepened mistrust between residents and law enforcement.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has since called for urgent reinforcement of security in the council, acknowledging the growing wave of attacks in border communities. His appeal reflects the broader concern that such incidents are not isolated but part of a disturbing trend of banditry spreading across Nigeria’s north-central region.

The Eruku tragedy is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities to organized criminal groups. It highlights the devastating human toll of insecurity, with families torn apart, lives lost, and faith communities targeted in their places of worship.

As negotiations and security responses unfold, the fate of the abducted worshippers hangs in the balance, while the demand for ₦3 billion ransom underscores the audacity and scale of Nigeria’s banditry crisis.