Eruku invasion: Terrorists demand N3.8 billion ransom for 38 captives
By Samuel Ogunsona
Terrorists who invaded Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area have demanded for N3.8b as ransom.
The Kwara State community has been gripped with fear and anxiety since the attack which led to at least three deaths and about 38 worshipers from Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC) kidnapped.
The kidnappers, who invaded the church on Tuesday, placed a N100 million ransom on each of the victims, local sources told Irohinoodua on Thursday.
Our correspondent was informed that the terrorists used the telephone of one of the victims to contact a relative, Jerry, and relayed their demands.
The kidnappers claimed that two of the victims, Mrs. Titi Balogun and another woman, are seriously ill and require immediate attention.
“They said we should pay their ransom as quickly as possible to save their souls,” the relative said.
The kidnappers have since closed their communication lines, leaving the families and loved ones of the victims in a state of uncertainty. A local hunter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the captives might have been divided into four camps, each closely monitored by the bandits.
The kidnapping occurred on Tuesday evening when bandits stormed the church during a service.
Three people were killed in the process, including a local hunter who was guarding the church. The pastor, his wife, and two children were spared, but the assistant pastor’s wife was among those kidnapped.
A source confirmed to Irohinodua that three of the captives managed to escape and are recounting their ordeal to the villagers.
The victims include a fresh graduate from seminary school, who was among those kidnapped and is the one behind a viral video.
The family of Mrs. Titi Balogun is particularly concerned about her health, as she is a high blood pressure victim on medication. Her aged mother, an octogenarian, Mrs. Matilda Omotinugbon, is worried about her daughter’s condition and is urging the authorities to expedite action in securing her release.
The community is holding its breath, waiting for the next development in the kidnapping saga.
