Bandits who abducted worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Igan, Eruku, in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded ₦100 million ransom for each victim, NAIJAONPOINT has learnt.
Pastor Lawrence Bamidele, who leads the church, confirmed that between 30 and 35 members were kidnapped during Tuesday evening’s violent invasion.
Family members and community leaders said on Thursday that the abductors had started calling relatives, using the victims’ phones.
Elder Josiah Agbabiaka, secretary of the church, revealed that the kidnappers divided the abductees into groups.
“The first group of 11 people has been asked to pay ₦100m each,” he said.
The Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun—whose four relatives were abducted—also confirmed that calls were being made “systematically” to different families. He said he managed to escape through a window while his relatives were taken away.
Monarch Seeks Urgent Intervention
The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olarewaju, appealed to the government to intensify rescue operations. He commended the swift deployment of soldiers after the state governor’s visit but insisted that “more needs to be done” to secure the victims’ release.
Police Yet to Confirm Ransom Demand
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command had not received any official report of ransom demands.
“Our tactical teams, alongside the military, are making concerted efforts to rescue the victims,” she said, urging residents to provide timely information.
The attack is the latest in a rising wave of violent incidents that have shaken communities across Kwara—long considered one of the North-Central’s safest states.
CAN Condemns Attack
The Christian Association of Nigeria, in a statement by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the attack as “a heartbreaking reminder of Nigeria’s growing insecurity.”
Okoh expressed solidarity with the victims and called for a transparent investigation, saying the incident adds to “a pattern of repeated assaults on Christian communities in vulnerable regions.”
Residents Clash With Council Chairman
Tensions escalated on Thursday as residents, youths and vigilante members confronted the Ekiti LGA chairman, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, accusing him of neglecting the embattled community.
They alleged that the chairman rarely visits affected areas, ignores distress calls and has failed to support local security teams.
“Our vigilantes have no ammunition,” resident Funmi Anifowose said. “I can’t even go to my farm for fear of kidnapping.”
A security operative claimed they patrol a 120km stretch with only 25 litres of fuel.
Council Denies Allegations
Responding on behalf of the chairman, Speaker of the Ekiti LGA Legislative Assembly, Fatoyinbo Michael, dismissed the accusations as political.
He said the council mobilised vigilantes immediately after the attack and listed several interventions, including refurbishing a police Hilux for ₦3.6m, supplying motorcycles and ammunition, and supporting local security units.
“Anyone saying the chairman is doing nothing is uninformed or playing politics,” he said.