Gunmen who attacked Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Igan, Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have contacted families of abducted worshippers, demanding N100 million ransom for each of the 38 victims, bringing the total demand to N3.8 billion.
The terrorists struck during a Tuesday evening thanksgiving service, killing three worshippers and kidnapping dozens, including the church’s pastor, Lawrence Bamidele, according to community sources.
Chief Olusegun Olukotun, the Olori Eta of Eruku, confirmed on Thursday that four of his relatives were among those abducted. He told reporters that he was present in the church with five family members when the attack occurred at approximately 6:06 p.m.
“I managed to escape with one of my wards through the church window,” Chief Olukotun said. “From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they have grouped the victims according to their family relations and are calling our people through each group.”
Elder Josiah Agbabiaka, Secretary of the CAC assembly, confirmed that the bandits have been using victims’ phones to reach family members. “They grouped the victims, and the first group of 11 people has been asked to pay N100 million each,” he stated.