In a show of defiance, the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, refused to cower to attack from Islamist and held a Sunday special service inside its auditorium where scores of their members had been abducted on Tuesday.

In the church, they prayed for the safe return of kidnapped members and the repose of those killed during the brutal attack.

The church officially confirmed that 38 worshippers were abducted, contrary to 60 earlier circulating on social media.

Church secretary Michael Agbabiaka explained that the initial list contained 35 names, but further verification revealed 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,” Agbabiaka said.

He disclosed that the kidnappers, who initially demanded ₦100 million per victim, later reduced the ransom to ₦20 million each after negotiations before cutting off communication on Friday.

Despite shock and fear gripping the town, the church encouraged members to attend the Sunday service to strengthen their faith.

Faith, Security, and Pleas for Rescue

Presiding pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the attack as a test of faith for the congregation. Quoting 2 Peter 3:10, he urged worshippers not to lose hope, saying he received divine assurances concerning the abducted victims.

“The first promise God gave me is that all our kidnapped members will gain freedom very soon. They will not die in captivity. God says He will assist us. Our children, mothers and wives will come out strong. It will be a miracle to the world when our people regain their freedom,” he said.

Lawrence also told the congregation that worsening insecurity in Nigeria would attract divine intervention, framing current events as part of biblical prophecies about the end times.

One of the affected worshippers, James Ige, whose wife and son were among those abducted, pleaded with authorities to intensify rescue efforts.

“I beg the government and security agencies to do everything within their capacity to bring my family back safely,” he said.

Eyewitnesses observed a heavy presence of security operatives across Eruku on Sunday, including soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT, the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara State Police Command, and local vigilante groups.

The deployment follows the directive of President Bola Tinubu, who ordered a joint operation to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.

Kwara State has witnessed a spike in bandit incursions, especially across border communities in Ekiti and Kaima LGAs. The Eruku church attack adds to a growing list of kidnappings targeting residents, travellers, and now worshippers, heightening fears about expanding terrorist networks operating across Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.

Analysts warn that the attacks reflect the growing reach of armed groups across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated national security responses.

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