The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun, in Eruku, Kwara State, held its first service on Sunday, five days after a deadly bandit attack left three worshippers dead and 38 others abducted.
Church leaders described the service as an act of faith and resilience amid lingering fear and trauma.
During the ceremony, the Church Secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, confirmed that 38 people were still in captivity.
“Initially, we compiled 35 names, but a verification exercise identified three additional non-members who were also kidnapped during the attack,” he said.
Agbabiaka also clarified that reports suggesting over 60 people were abducted were inaccurate.
He disclosed that the bandits originally demanded a ransom of ₦100 million per victim, which was later negotiated down to ₦20 million before communication with the abductors broke off on November 21.
Presiding Pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the attack as a test of faith and reassured the congregation that God had promised the safe return of the abducted worshippers, likening their ordeal to the biblical trials of the Israelites.
A worshipper, James Ige, whose wife and son were among those kidnapped, appealed to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, emphasizing that his family’s fate rests on prompt government action.
Security has been heightened across Eruku, with deployments from the army, the Special Tactical Squad (SWAT) from Force Headquarters, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police Command, and local vigilantes.
This follows directives from President Bola Tinubu mandating joint operations to track the attackers and secure the victims’ release.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the bandits, heavily armed, attacked the church around nightfall, causing panic among residents and forcing many to flee to nearby bushes for safety.
Two individuals were killed instantly during the attack.
Despite the trauma, the church urged members to attend Sunday’s service as a show of faith, while prayers were offered for the safe return of the abducted worshippers and the repose of the deceased.
