By Atoyebi Nike
Bandits who abducted 38 worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have reportedly demanded a ₦100 million ransom for each victim.
Information gathered on Thursday indicates that the kidnappers have begun reaching out to families of the abductees, days after the violent raid on the church during an evening service on Tuesday.
A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, confirmed the development, noting that four of his relatives are among the victims. Olukotun said he had been inside the church with five family members when the gunmen stormed the premises. He and one young relative escaped through a window at about 6:06 p.m.
According to him, the kidnappers have grouped the abductees based on family ties and are contacting relatives through representatives of each group.
“Some people have already received calls from the kidnappers demanding ₦100 million per person,” he said. “I haven’t been contacted about my own people yet, so I’m still waiting.”
Olukotun expressed appreciation to the state government particularly Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for responding to the attack but urged authorities to deploy more security personnel to Eruku, a border community vulnerable to armed incursions.
He also appealed for better equipment for local vigilantes, saying they require stronger weapons to confront heavily armed kidnappers if future attacks occur.
