In a display of faith amidst chaos, the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, held a service on Sunday that was anything but ordinary. The congregation gathered in a blood-splattered auditorium, praying not only for the safe return of their kidnapped members but also mourning the tragic loss of lives during a gruesome bandit attack just days prior.

In a twist that has left many shaking their heads, church officials announced that a total of 38 worshippers were abducted,a figure that sharply contradicts rampant social media speculation suggesting the number could be over 60. The church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, insisted on accuracy, revealing that while they initially reported 35 victims, their investigation uncovered three non-members were also taken. "We have a list with their phone numbers," he emphasized, trying to quash the wild rumors swirling around this horrific incident.

Amidst the chaos, the kidnappers initially demanded an outrageous ransom of N100 million per victim before "settling" on N20 million each after negotiations. However, communication has since gone silent, leaving families in a state of despair and uncertainty. “It’s not easy,” Agbabiaka admitted, as he attempted to maintain a brave front.

Despite the palpable tension and fear in the air, the church encouraged its members to attend the service, viewing it as a means to bolster their faith. “You can see that only a few people came because it has not been easy,” Agbabiaka remarked, presenting an unsettling image of dwindling support within the congregation.

Pastor Bamidele Lawrence, who presided over the service, boldly characterized the attack as a “test of faith.” Quoting scripture, he urged the congregation to remain hopeful, proclaiming that divine assurances indicated the kidnapped members would soon return. “They will not die in captivity,” he declared, but many in the pews seemed unconvinced, grappling with their fears.

In a bizarre twist, Pastor Lawrence also seized the opportunity to address Nigeria's broader insecurity issues, suggesting that the current turmoil could lead to divine intervention,an assertion that raised eyebrows. He claimed these troubling events align with biblical prophecies about the end times, urging members to resist fear. Clearly, he is trying to spin the narrative in favor of hope, but the realities on the ground tell a different story.

Among the desperate voices was that of James Ige, whose wife and son were among those abducted. "I beg the government and security agencies to do everything within their capacity to bring my family back safely," he pleaded, echoing the sentiments of many families in this unfortunate situation.

The atmosphere was further charged by a significant presence of security operatives, including soldiers and members of the Special Tactical Squad, deployed in Eruku following a directive from President Bola Tinubu. 

Kwara State has unfortunately become a hotspot for banditry, with border communities experiencing an alarming rise in such incidents. The attack on the Eruku church is merely the latest in a disturbing trend, as criminals expand their networks throughout Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.