In a shocking escalation of insecurity in Kwara State, Nigeria, 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku were abducted during a violent attack on Tuesday evening, leaving the community in fear and mourning. Reports from local sources reveal that the kidnappers have demanded a staggering ₦100 million ransom per victim, placing enormous pressure on families and authorities alike.
The Attack and Immediate Casualties
The harrowing incident occurred around 6 PM during an evening church service, when gunmen stormed the church premises. The attackers unleashed terror on unsuspecting worshippers, resulting in the death of five individuals and injuries to several others. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as panicked congregants fled for safety, with some trapped inside the church halls. The audacity of targeting a place of worship has sent shockwaves throughout the state and beyond, raising concerns about security in vulnerable communities.
Kidnappers’ Ransom Demand
According to Chief Olusegun Olukotun, Olori Eta of Eruku, whose four relatives are among the abducted, the bandits have contacted some families, demanding ₦100 million per person. The kidnappers reportedly grouped the victims according to family relations, calling each group separately to communicate the ransom demand. If all families were to meet the demand, the total ransom would amount to an astonishing ₦3.8 billion, highlighting the organized and premeditated nature of the crime.
The community leader expressed concern that, due to ongoing power outages in Eruku, communication between families and the kidnapped victims is hindered, complicating rescue efforts. He further noted that not all families had yet received calls from the kidnappers, leaving many in a state of uncertainty and anxiety.
Security Response and Government Involvement
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attack and stated that security forces responded promptly to reports of gunfire on the outskirts of Eruku. Joint operations are underway, and some of the attackers are reported to have fled into surrounding bushes. Authorities are working tirelessly to secure the release of the abducted worshippers, but the high ransom and the bandits’ familiarity with the terrain complicate the efforts.
At the federal level, directives have been issued to deploy additional security assets to assist in the rescue operation. The Nigerian government has emphasized the urgency of protecting lives while also pursuing measures to prevent further attacks in the state. Security analysts warn that the scale and sophistication of this kidnapping reflect the growing menace of organized banditry in Nigeria, particularly in border and rural communities.
Community Pleas and Response
Residents of Eruku are calling for increased security presence, with community leaders urging the government to equip local vigilante groups with more sophisticated defensive tools to protect vulnerable communities. Chief Olukotun stressed that Eruku, being a border town, is particularly susceptible to attacks due to limited infrastructure and weak surveillance.
Families of the victims are grappling with immense emotional and financial strain, with some reportedly struggling to raise funds to meet the kidnappers’ demands. The psychological trauma in the community is palpable, as parents, spouses, and relatives anxiously await news of their loved ones’ safety.
Broader Implications for Security in Nigeria
The attack in Eruku underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms across Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions. Churches, schools, and other public spaces continue to be prime targets for criminal gangs, highlighting gaps in intelligence, rapid response capabilities, and community-based protective measures. The audacity of the kidnappers to attack a church in the evening reflects not only boldness but also confidence in exploiting security weaknesses.
Security experts warn that such incidents, if left unchecked, may embolden other criminal networks and create a climate of fear that disrupts daily life, education, and economic activity in affected areas. Analysts are calling for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities, enhanced intelligence gathering, and active community engagement to prevent further tragedies.
