Eruku Church Defies Trauma, Holds First Service After Deadly Attack
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, has held its first worship service since last Tuesday's brutal attack by bandits that left three worshippers dead and thirty-eight others kidnapped.
The Sunday service took place under heavy security presence, with journalists observing substantial deployments of soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT units, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police Command, and local vigilante groups throughout Eruku community.
Ransom Negotiations and Victim Count Clarified
During the emotional service held in the blood-stained auditorium where the attack occurred, church secretary Michael Agbabiaka provided crucial updates about the kidnapping situation. He confirmed that thirty-eight people remain in captivity, correcting earlier social media reports that suggested over sixty abductions.
"We have 38 people still in the bush. Three people died, and one is in the hospital receiving treatment," Agbabiaka told congregants and journalists. "I have their names and phone numbers; we don't want misinformation."
The church official revealed that the initial compilation showed thirty-five victims, but verification exercises later identified three additional non-members who were also taken during the siege.
In a significant development, Agbabiaka disclosed that the kidnappers had reduced their ransom demand from N100 million per victim to N20 million each after negotiations. However, communication with the abductors broke off on Friday, creating uncertainty about the next steps.
Faith and Security Amid Trauma
The church service was dominated by prayers for the safe release of the kidnapped worshippers and for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives. Despite the visible trauma and fear, church leaders encouraged members to attend as a demonstration of faith and resilience.
"As you can see, only a few people are present, but we thank God for life and for strengthening us," Agbabiaka told newsmen. "We also appreciate the government for deploying security operatives who are now patrolling the town and the church."
The security deployment was reportedly directed by President Bola Tinubu, who mandated joint operations to track the attackers and rescue the victims. The enhanced security presence provided some reassurance to the traumatized congregation.
Officiating pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the harrowing incident as a test of faith, revealing that he had received divine assurances about the safety of the kidnapped members. He told the congregation that God had promised the abducted worshippers would return alive, drawing parallels to biblical trials faced by the Israelites.
The church community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the attack while maintaining hope for the safe return of their loved ones, even as security forces intensify efforts to locate and rescue the thirty-eight captives.
