Story by Iyiola Ayomide
Bandits who attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku town in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State and allegedly abducted over 30 worshippers during a church service on Tuesday have placed a N100 million ransom on each victim.
The development was confirmed on Thursday by the Olori Eta of Eruku land, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, and some family members of those kidnapped.
The terrorists, during the bloody attack on the church, reportedly killed three persons, abducted over 30 worshippers, and looted their valuables.
While giving an update on the incident, Chief Olukotun disclosed that four members of his family were among those whisked away.
He recounted that “I was inside the church with five relatives when the gunmen struck. I managed to flee with one ward by jumping through a window at about 6:06 p.m.”
He went on to confirm that the abductors had already begun placing calls to different families but added that the assailants are yet to contact him for ransom.
“From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the groups.
“Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding N100 million for each person, but as regards my own people, I have not received any call concerning them, so I am still waiting,” he stated.
Olukotun further emphasised the urgent need for stronger security deployment in Eruku, a border town with Kogi State, which has long been vulnerable to criminal incursions.
He also urged the government to upgrade the local vigilante outfit with modern defensive equipment capable of matching the firepower of the attackers.