Church attacked by bandits in Eruku, Kwara, holds service
Confirms abductors have cut off communication
The Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, reconvened for the first time on Sunday, November 23, 2025, following the killing of three members and abduction of 38 others by armed bandits last Tuesday.
The church held a special service inside its blood-stained auditorium where scanty congregants prayed for the safe return of kidnapped members and the repose of the souls of those killed in the terrorist attack.
The church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, formally confirmed that 38 people were abducted.
He told The Punch that 35 names of abducted members were initially compiled before they got confirmation that three non-members were also taken along, bringing the total number of hostages to 38.
He also confirmed that three people died in the Tuesday attack.
The church secretary disclosed that the kidnappers had cut off all communication after their demand of N100m per victim was beaten down to N20m in a negotiation on Friday.
There has reportedly been no further communication from the bandits since then.
Agbabiaka said there was still palpable fear throughout the town, but the church encouraged members to attend the Sunday service to strengthen their faith.
He said only a few people turned up, despite the presence of security men all over the town and even the church premises.
Speaking during the Sunday service, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the bandits’ attack on the church as a test of faith for the congregation.
Using Second Peter, Chapter 3, verse 10, Lawrence urged worshippers not to lose hope, as he was certain the abducted brethren would be released.
Lawrence assured the congregation that the worsening insecurity in the country would attract divine intervention.
He urged them not to fear, saying current events were part of biblical prophecies about the end times.
A worshipper, James Ige, whose wife and son were among those abducted, called on the authorities to expedite action to rescue his family.
Read Also: Police refused to engage bandits who raided Eruku, Kwara CAC- Residents
