November 20, (THEWILL) — Bandits who abducted 38 worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded ₦100 million per victim — a total ransom of ₦3.8 billion.
The attackers invaded the church on Tuesday, November 18, during an evening service, shooting indiscriminately and killing five worshippers before whisking dozens away into the forest.
Confirming the ransom demand, the Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, said the kidnappers had begun contacting families of those seized.
Olukotun, who narrowly escaped after jumping through a window with one of his wards, said the abductors separated the victims according to family ties.
“From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they grouped the victims based on their relations and are now calling our people through each group.
“Some community members have already received calls demanding ₦100 million per person. As for my own relatives, I haven’t been contacted yet,” he said.
He confirmed that four of his own family members are among those still in captivity, describing the ordeal as deeply distressing for families anxiously awaiting word on their loved ones.
The attack has heightened fear across Eruku and neighbouring communities, with residents urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations.
As of press time, security authorities had neither confirmed the ransom demand nor provided an update on efforts to free the abducted worshippers.
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