The crisis in Eruku community, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, has deepened as bandits who attacked a local church and abducted worshippers have reportedly demanded N100 million ransom for each of the 38 victims in their custody.
The attack, which occurred during a church programme, left three people dead and several others injured before the assailants fled into the surrounding forest with dozens of congregants, including the church pastor.
Local sources confirm that the abductors contacted families late Monday, issuing the staggering demand and threatening severe consequences if negotiations are delayed. The ransom figure — totalling N3.8 billion — has caused widespread fear and outrage within the community and across Kwara State.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, police, and local vigilante groups, have intensified search operations across forested areas bordering Kwara and Kogi States. The Kwara State Government has also announced emergency security measures and expressed its commitment to ensuring the victims’ safe return.
Residents say the community remains in shock, with many families unable to meet the ransom demand. Human rights groups have condemned the attack, calling it another alarming example of escalating insecurity in the North-Central region.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm while assuring that efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted worshippers unharmed.
Sources
Eruku Church Attack: Bandits Place N100m Ransom On Each Of 38 Abductees Leadership
Bandits Demand N100m Ransom On Each Of 38 Abductees In Kwara Church Attack The Nigerian Voice
Eruku Abductions: Bandits Demand N100m Each For 38 Church Members Kidnapped In Kwara Arise News
Kwara Church Attack: Bandits place N100m ransom on each of 38 abductees GistReel
Bandits place N100m ransom on each victims of Kwara church abduction Blueprint Newspapers Limited
