Eruku: “38 worshippers still in the bush”, Church breaks silence during first service after bandits attack
Following a brutal attack by bandits that left three worshippers dead and dozens kidnapped last Tuesday, the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, has broken its silence on the actual number of worshippers currently in the kidnappers’ den.
The church, which held its first service since the attack on Sunday November 23rd, 2025, witnessed emotional gathering inside the still blood-stained auditorium, and was dominated by prayers, tears, and an attempt to correct widespread misinformation about the true number of abducted victims.
uring the service, the church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, formally disclosed that 38 persons were kidnapped in the assault; not over 60, as earlier speculated online.
He explained that the church initially compiled 35 names, but a follow-up verification revealed three additional non-members who were also taken away by the attackers.
According to him, “Rumours that over 60 people were abducted are not true. We have 38 people still in the bush. Three people died, and one is in the hospital receiving treatment. I have their names and phone numbers. We don’t want misinformation.”
Agbabiaka revealed further that the kidnappers had initially demanded ₦100 million per victim, but later reduced it to ₦20 million each before all communication with them suddenly ceased on Friday.
Despite the fear and trauma hanging over the community, church leaders encouraged members to attend the Sunday service as a demonstration of faith and resilience.
“As you can see, only a few people are present, but we thank God for life and for strengthening us,” Agbabiaka said. “We also appreciate the government for deploying security operatives who are now patrolling the town and the church.”
Earlier in his sermon, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the attack as a “test of faith,” reassuring the congregation that he had received divine assurances about the safety of the abducted worshippers.
He likened their ordeal to the biblical trials of the Israelites, saying he believed they would return alive.
One of the affected members, James Ige, whose wife and son were among those kidnapped, appealed for urgent intervention from security agencies.
He said the fate of his family now rests on how swiftly authorities act to rescue them.
