The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, on Sunday held a solemn service inside its blood-stained auditorium, days after a deadly bandit attack that left several worshippers abducted and others dead.

During the service, the church officially confirmed that 38 worshippers were kidnapped during Tuesday’s assault. revising earlier figures circulated on social media.

Speaking with journalists, the church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, said the church initially compiled a list of 35 abducted members, but further checks revealed that three non-members were also taken by the attackers.

“The rumour that over 60 people were kidnapped is not true. I have a list with their phone numbers. We don’t want any misinformation. We have 38 people inside the bush. Three died, and one victim is in the hospital receiving treatment,” he said.

Agbabiaka added that the kidnappers, who initially demanded ₦100 million per victim, later reduced the ransom to ₦20 million each before communication with the families ceased on Friday.

Despite widespread fear in the community, the church encouraged members to gather for worship to strengthen their faith.

“We thank God for life today. You can see that only a few people came because it has not been easy, but God gave us courage,” he said, noting that security agencies had increased patrols in the town and around the church premises.

During the service, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the attack as a test of faith. Quoting 2 Peter 3:10, he urged the congregation not to lose hope, saying he had received divine assurance concerning the fate of the abductees.

“The first promise God gave me is that all our kidnapped members will gain freedom very soon. They will not die in captivity. God says He will assist us. Our children, mothers and wives will come out strong. It will be a miracle to the world when our people regain their freedom,” he declared.

Lawrence also linked the worsening security situation in the country to biblical prophecies, urging worshippers to remain steadfast.

One of the distressed members, James Ige, whose wife and son were among those abducted, appealed to authorities to intensify rescue efforts.

“I beg the government and security agencies to do everything within their capacity to bring my family back safely,” he said.

Our correspondent observed a heavy deployment of security personnel across Eruku on Sunday, including soldiers, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara State Police Command, and local vigilante groups.

The reinforcement follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a joint security operation to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.

Kwara State has recently faced a surge in bandit attacks, particularly in border communities around Ekiti and Kaima LGAs. The Eruku church attack adds to a worrying pattern of kidnappings targeting residents, travellers, and increasingly, worshippers — heightening fears over expanding criminal networks operating across Kwara, Kogi and Niger States.