Bandits Demand ₦3bn Ransom For Kwara Church Abductees

Bandits who attacked the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded ₦100 million for each abducted worshipper. The assailants stormed the church during a service on Tuesday, killing three people and abducting between 30 and 35 worshippers, according to community accounts and security briefings.

A community leader whose relatives were taken confirmed that the kidnappers have begun contacting families in clusters, insisting on the full ₦100 million per victim. The attackers were said to have operated for hours, forcing worshippers into the forest after disrupting the service.

The church’s pastor reported that the service was ongoing when heavily armed men invaded, leading to a chaotic scene as congregants attempted to flee. Residents said the incident has heightened fear across neighbouring communities, prompting youths in Eruku to block the Ilorin–Kabba highway in protest and to demand immediate government intervention.

Security agencies have reportedly intensified search operations around the forests bordering Kwara and Kogi states, while the state government has requested increased federal security support in response to the escalating crisis.