Eruku Church Resumes Worship Amid Heavy Security Presence
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Council of Kwara State, has held its first service since the devastating bandit attack that occurred last Tuesday. The Sunday service took place under tight security, marking a significant moment for the traumatized congregation.
Heavy Security Deployment Across Eruku
Journalists observed extensive security measures throughout Eruku community, including deployment of soldiers, Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT units, Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police Command, and local vigilantes. This robust security response was reportedly directly ordered by President Bola Tinubu, who mandated joint operations to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.
The service was conducted inside the same auditorium where the attack occurred, creating an emotional atmosphere for worshippers. The gathering was dominated by prayers for the safe release of kidnapped members and peaceful repose of those who lost their lives.
Church Secretary Clarifies Kidnapping Figures
During the service, church secretary Michael Agbabiaka provided crucial clarifications about the attack's aftermath. He confirmed that 38 persons were abducted, contradicting earlier social media reports suggesting 60 victims. Agbabiaka explained that the church initially compiled 35 names, but during verification identified three additional non-members who were also kidnapped during the siege.
"Rumours that over 60 people were abducted are not true," Agbabiaka told Sobi FM. "We have 38 people still in the bush. Three people died, and one is in the hospital receiving treatment. I have their names and phone numbers. We don't want misinformation."
In a significant development, Agbabiaka revealed that the kidnappers had reduced their ransom demand from the initial N100 million per person to N20 million, potentially opening avenues for negotiation and the victims' safe return.
The community remains hopeful that the combined security efforts and ongoing negotiations will lead to the safe return of all kidnapped worshippers while mourning the three members who lost their lives in the tragic attack.
