One of the thirty-eight worshippers kidnapped during a brutal attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Ekuru, Kwara State has come forward to share his terrifying experience in the kidnappers' den. The victim, who regained freedom alongside thirty-seven others, described the harrowing details of their captivity after being abducted during a church service.
The Night of Terror at Christ Apostolic Church
The horrific incident occurred on Tuesday, November 23, when armed bandits stormed the church premises during a thanksgiving service. Ironically, the congregation was celebrating the safe return of other church members who had been previously kidnapped and released when the new attack unfolded.
"It was a terrifying act because that evening, thirty minutes into the programme after the praises, we started hearing gunshots," the middle-aged survivor recounted. "Initially I didn't know it was gunshots, I thought it was some wires sparking but by the time we understood what was happening, they had surrounded the whole church."
The survivor revealed that some worshippers reported seeing drops of blood around the church premises during the chaotic attack, indicating the violent nature of the bandits' operation.
Life in the Kidnappers' Den
The victims spent several days in captivity before eventually regaining their freedom on Sunday, November 24. According to the survivor, life in the kidnappers' camp was extremely difficult for all thirty-eight abductees.
He described the bandits as being completely familiar with the bush paths across Kwara State and neighboring states, making escape virtually impossible for the captives. "When we got there, we noticed it was a dominated area by these people called bandits," he explained.
"They had the courage to tell themselves that they are bandits. They made us know that there is no one that can slip away without being caught. With what we saw nobody could escape because they have dominated the area."
Bandits' Control Over Kwara Bush Territories
The survivor's testimony reveals the alarming level of control that bandit groups have established in rural areas of Kwara State. The kidnappers demonstrated extensive knowledge of all routes through the bushes surrounding Kwara and other states, using this territorial advantage to maintain control over their captives.
This detailed account from a firsthand witness highlights the growing security challenges facing religious institutions and rural communities in Nigeria, particularly in areas where criminal elements have established strongholds in remote territories.
The survivor's courageous decision to share his experience provides valuable insight into the operations of kidnapping syndicates and the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
