Heavy Ransom: Bandits Set N3bn Price for Kwara Church Victims’ Freedom

A disturbing new development has emerged in Kwara State as Heavy ransom demands have reportedly been issued by the armed men who kidnapped worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Igan, Eruku. The abductors have allegedly asked for N100 million per victim, creating widespread shock and deepening concerns about the rising wave of banditry across the region. The staggering demand has intensified public fear and placed affected families under immense emotional and financial pressure.

Kidnappers Demand N100 Million Per Captive

According to the church’s pastor, Lawrence Bamidele, between 30 and 35 worshippers were abducted during a violent Tuesday evening attack that disrupted an ongoing service. He explained that chaos erupted as the gunmen stormed the building, overpowering the congregation and dragging multiple worshippers away.

Family members and community leaders later confirmed that the kidnappers had begun contacting relatives using the victims’ mobile phones. The Secretary of the CAC assembly, Elder Josiah Agbabiaka, verified that calls were already coming in. He added that the abductors divided the captives into groups and demanded Heavy ransom of N100 million for each of the first 11 victims.

Similarly, the Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, whose relatives were among the abducted, stated that the attackers were reaching out methodically. He recounted how he managed to escape through a church window while four members of his family were taken away.

Traditional Ruler Appeals for Government Support

The town’s monarch, the Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olarewaju, expressed concern over the escalating threat and called for urgent intervention. He commended the immediate deployment of military personnel following a visit by the state governor but explained that the rescue mission still required stronger action.

He emphasized that residents were living in fear and urged the government to intensify its efforts to bring the victims home safely. His appeal reflects growing anxiety in communities across Kwara State, where similar attacks have been reported in recent months.

Police React to the Situation

Despite reports from families, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that no official record of ransom demands had reached the authorities. She assured residents that tactical units, supported by the military and other agencies, were actively pursuing the kidnappers.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, also encouraged residents to provide credible, timely information that could aid rescue operations. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state. As repoted by PUNCH.

CAN Condemns the Attack

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) issued a strong statement condemning the Eruku church attack, describing it as a painful reminder of rising insecurity affecting Christian communities nationwide. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed sadness over the abduction and the killing of worshippers during the incident.

He emphasized that the tragedy highlights ongoing threats faced by vulnerable groups and insisted that security agencies must act swiftly to rescue the abducted worshippers. Okoh also called for a transparent investigation to uncover how such a large-scale attack could occur and to hold those responsible accountable.

According to him, the incident adds to a troubling pattern of repeated assaults on Christian communities in regions struggling with violent crime.

Community Confrontation with Local Leadership

Tensions escalated on Thursday when residents, youths, vigilantes, and some security operatives clashed with the Chairman of the Eruku Local Government Area, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel. They accused him of failing to provide proper support for local security structures and criticized him for being inaccessible despite continuing threats.

Several community members alleged that the chairman rarely visited areas experiencing frequent attacks. Farmers complained that they could no longer work on their land due to the risk of kidnapping, while vigilante members said they lacked ammunition and operational resources.

One security operative revealed that officers patrolling the Osi–Eruku axis — a stretch of about 120 kilometers — were given only 25 litres of fuel, making comprehensive patrol efforts impossible.

Council Defends Its Actions

However, the Speaker of the Ekiti LGA Legislative Assembly, Fatoyinbo Michael, dismissed the accusations as false and politically motivated. He explained that the chairman responded promptly on the day of the incident and worked with vigilante groups to secure the area.

Michael listed several interventions carried out by the council, including refurbishing a police vehicle, purchasing a motorcycle for local security, supplying ammunition, and assisting in transporting an injured victim. He insisted that claims of neglect were exaggerated and not reflective of the chairman’s efforts.