The armed bandits responsible for the mass abduction of worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have placed a staggering ransom demand of ₦100 million on each of the 38 individuals currently in their captivity.
The ransom request follows the tragic attack on Tuesday evening, which also resulted in the deaths of five persons and left several others injured.
A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, confirmed the bandits’ demand during an interview with journalists on Thursday. Olukotun, who has four relatives among the kidnapped victims, disclosed that the bandits have initiated contact with the victims’ families.
Chief Olukotun, who narrowly escaped the attack himself, explained how the negotiations are being structured: “From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they (kidnappers) have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the groups.”
He confirmed that the demand is exceptionally high, stating, “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.”
Recounting his own escape from the church around 6:06 pm, he noted he was with five family members when the incident occurred, adding that he and one of his wards escaped “through the church window.”
The community’s spokesperson, Olasukanmi Ayeni, also confirmed that contact had been established by the criminals. “I also heard that the bandits have been reaching out to families of the victims in their custody,” he said.
Ayeni explained the communication challenges facing the community: “There hasn’t been power supply in many parts of Eruku for the past five days, so I haven’t been able to reach out to some of our people.”
He promised to share updates as soon as possible, saying, “As soon as I get further details, I will share them with you.”
