Kwara church holds service after attack, confirms 38 worshippers abducted

Kwara map

The Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, on Sunday, held a special service inside its blood-splattered auditorium, praying for the safe return of kidnapped members and the repose of those killed during Tuesday’s brutal bandit attack.

The church on Sunday officially confirmed that 38 worshippers were abducted, contrary to earlier claims circulating on social media.

Speaking with PUNCH Online on Sunday, the church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, said the church initially compiled 35 names of abducted members, but further verification revealed that three non-members were also taken, bringing the total number of hostages to 38.

“The rumour that over 60 people were kidnapped is not true. I have a list with their phone numbers. We don’t want any misinformation. We have 38 people inside the bush. Three died, and one victim is in the hospital receiving treatment,” he said.

Agbabiaka further disclosed that the kidnappers, who initially demanded N100m per victim, later reduced the ransom to N20m each after negotiations before cutting off communication on Friday.

He noted that although shock and fear still gripped the town, the church encouraged members to attend the Sunday service to strengthen their faith.

“We thank God for life today. You can see that only a few people came because it has not been easy. But God gave us courage. Punch