Gunmen abducted 38 worshippers from a church in Eruku, Kwara State, Nigeria, on Tuesday, demanding a ransom of 100 million naira (around $69,000) per person, a church official told Reuters on Friday. The attack also claimed at least two lives, including the pastor, according to local reports.
A video verified by Reuters showed parishioners taking cover as armed men opened fire during the Christ Apostolic Church service, confiscating belongings amid the chaos. The footage highlighted the terrifying scale and audacity of the assault.
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In response, the governor of Kwara State has requested the immediate deployment of additional security operatives to the area to assist in the safe recovery of the hostages and prevent further attacks.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident, while church leaders and local officials appeal for calm and swift action to secure the release of all kidnapped worshippers. Families of the victims remain deeply concerned as negotiations reportedly continue.
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