The Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, on Sunday, held a special service inside its blood-splattered auditorium, praying for the safe return of kidnapped members and the repose of those killed during Tuesday’s brutal bandit attack.

The church on Sunday officially confirmed that 38 worshippers were abducted, contrary to earlier claims circulating on social media.

Speaking on Sunday, the church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, said the church initially compiled 35 names of abducted members, but further verification revealed that three non-members were also taken, bringing the total number of hostages to 38.

“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 further disclosed that the kidnappers, who initially demanded N100m per victim, later reduced the ransom to N20m each after negotiations before cutting off communication on Friday.

He noted that although shock and fear still gripped the town, the church encouraged members to attend the Sunday service 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.

“We also thank the government for deploying security. They are patrolling the town, and even here in the church, security operatives are present,” he added.

Earlier during the service, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the attack as a test of faith for the congregation. Quoting 2 Peter 3:10, he urged worshippers not to lose hope, saying he received divine assurances concerning the abducted victims.

“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 said.

He also told the congregation that the worsening insecurity in Nigeria would attract divine intervention and urged them not to fear, saying current events were part of biblical prophecies about the end times.

One of the affected worshippers, James Ige, whose wife and son were among those abducted, pleaded with the 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.

The Kebbi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private secondary schools across the state following heightened security threats, marking one of the most sweeping shutdowns of the education sector in recent years.

The directive also affects all state-owned tertiary institutions, with the exception of the College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi.

The announcement was contained in a joint statement issued in Birnin Kebbi by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Issa Abubakar-Tunga.

Dr. Bande said the decision was taken to safeguard students and staff amid “the recent disturbing cases of attacks in parts of the state.

The shutdown affects hundreds of secondary schools, including government day schools, boarding schools, and privately owned institutions across all 21 local government areas.

Many parents had already expressed anxiety following recent attacks on communities and the abduction of schoolgirls in Maga.

The tertiary institutions listed for closure include Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari; Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero; College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; and the School of Remedial Studies, Yauri.

The commissioners clarified that only the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi, will remain open.

They urged school authorities and the public to remain calm and cooperate with government directives while security agencies intensify operations across the state.

The statement was signed by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

At least, eight farmers have been abducted by bandits in the Wasagu area of Kebbi State.

The fresh attack was confirmed by Chairman of Danko Wassagu Local Government, Hussaini Wasagu,.

The local government chairman said the attackers struck in the afternoon while farmers were on their fields.

According to him Eight farmers were taken away, and one person was shot,” he said.

He said the injured victim is receiving treatment at the Wasagu General Hospital, while the council are working with security agencies to ensure the safe return of those abducted.”

Community members say the gunmen, suspected to have crossed in from neighbouring Zamfara State, operated for several minutes before escaping with their victims.