By our reporter 23.11.2025
Gunmen who seized 38 people from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State last week have reduced their ransom demand from N100m to N20m for each victim.
The Church Secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, in an interview with the ICIR on Sunday, said negotiations are still ongoin with the kidnappers. “The kidnappers first asked for N100 million each, but we negotiated it down to N20 million per person. We have not heard from them since Friday. As of now, 38 people are in captivity,” he said.
In a crime that shocked the nation the gunmen were seen in live social media broadcast invading the church were the congregation was giving thanks to God for the release of the their members who were previously kidnapped.
Meanwhile members of the congregation returned to Church on Sunday dismissing fears of another attack.
Pastor Bamidele Lawrence, who led the ‘special service’, said it was “testing moment” for the congregation, adding that he had received “divine assurances” over the fate of the abducted members.
“God revealed to me that all our people will return alive. It will be a miracle when they regain freedom,” he said.
During the service, a worshipper, Elder Ige, whose wife and son are among the abducted, made an emotional appeal to authorities.
“My wife and son were kidnapped, my son was just released just two weeks ago, he was first kidnapped in September, and I raised 2 million naira to secure his release.
” He has been kidnapped again with my wife, I don’t know who I offended, I am begging the government and security agencies, please help us bring them back,” he said in emotion laden voice.