Members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, returned to worship today following a violent attack on 18 November 2025, in which armed bandits stormed the church during service. The assault claimed five lives and led to the abd¥ction of 38 congregants.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers hid in trees for hours before launching the raid, suggesting premeditation.
Security forces and local vigilantes responded quickly, but the assailants fled into the forest. Among the casualties was a local vigilante, Segun Alaja, who sustained injuries and was taken to ECWA Hospital in Eruku.
According to some reports, relatives of the abducted have received ransom demands of ₦100 million per person, totaling roughly ₦3.8 billion, while some hostages remain grouped by family ties. The Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, confirmed that members of his family are among those still held captive.
In response, the state has increased security deployment to the area. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the attack and called for urgent government intervention.
Community members have returned to the church today, displaying courage and trust in the ongoing Govt’s vow and efforts to return normalcy.
