- Bandits Demand N3.8 Billion Ransom for 38 Kidnapped Worshippers in Kwara
- The kidnappers organised the victims into groups based on family ties and are reaching relatives through the captives
- Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has requested urgent reinforcement of security personnel in Ekiti Local Government Area
The bandits who abducted thirty eight worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded a ransom of N3.8Billion for their release.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the abductors contacted families of the victims on Thursday and asked for a million naira for each captive.
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A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, confirmed the development and disclosed that four of his relatives were among those seized. He recounted being inside the church with five members of his family when the attack occurred shortly after six in the evening, adding that he managed to escape through a window with one of his wards.
According to him, the kidnappers have organised the victims into groups based on family ties and are reaching relatives through the captives in each group. Olukotun appealed for increased security presence in Eruku, which is a border community, and called for better equipment for local vigilante groups to enable them to respond effectively to armed attacks.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council condemned the attack, describing it as sad, unpatriotic and a setback at a time when authorities are working to curb banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes. He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted worshippers and expressed sorrow over those killed during the assault. He prayed for the repose of their souls and comfort for their families.
Meanwhile, Kwara State governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has requested urgent reinforcement of security personnel in Ekiti Local Government Area, especially the Eruku axis, following the deadly attack by masked gunmen on Tuesday. The assailants killed about five people, injured several others and kidnapped numerous worshippers, including a pastor.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the affected families and the Christ Apostolic Church community. He assured residents that the state government would continue to support security agencies in restoring peace and protecting lives and property.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for deploying nine hundred additional troops to Kwara State, noting that the reinforcement has already contributed to improved calm in previously troubled areas. He expressed confidence that the new deployment would further strengthen security and bring lasting stability to the region.
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