Bandits responsible for the abduction of more than 30 worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, have reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million for each captive.
According to relatives contacted by the attackers, the calls began on Thursday, two days after the armed group stormed Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area.
During the assault, the bandits killed three people, kidnapped scores of worshippers, and carted away valuables from the church.
Confirming the situation, the Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, said four members of his household were among those taken.
He narrated how the attack unfolded, noting that “he was inside the church with five relatives when the gunmen struck, but I managed to flee with one ward by jumping through a window at about 6:06 p.m.”
Olukotun added that the kidnappers had started reaching out to families of the victims.
“From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the groups.
“Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding N100m for each person, but as regards my own people, I have not received any call concerning them, so I am still waiting,” he stated.
The community leader further stressed the need for immediate reinforcement of security in Eruku, a border town near Kogi State that has long suffered from criminal raids.
He appealed to government authorities to strengthen and equip local vigilante groups with modern tools capable of countering armed attackers.
