Crime
Kwara Church Defies Attack, Holds Service Despite 38 Worshippers Abducted
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.
as Kidnappers Demand Release of Gang Membersetired Major General Rabe Abubakar has died while in captivity after being abducted by kidnappers, the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security has announced.
The retired senior officer passed away from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held alongside his wife, Amina Abubakar.
The couple was kidnapped within Matazu Local Government Area while travelling to Katsina.
A video recently circulated online showed the retired army general nursing a wound on his left foot during his time in captivity.
Reports indicate that the mastermind of the abduction demanded the release of three members of his gang, as well as some cattle, as conditions for freeing the couple.
The tragic development comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of the North-West region.
Suspected bandits have killed 19 people and injured 12 others in a fresh attack on Gora Namaye district in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to Bello Hussaini, the councilor representing the Faru/Magami ward, the attackers stormed the community on motorcycles in large numbers and opened sporadic fire on residents, mostly farmers.
Hussaini said the bandits initially killed 18 people during the assault. One of the injured victims later succumbed to injuries, bringing the death toll to 19.
Efforts to get confirmation from the Zamfara State Police Command proved unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that an unauthorised incursion by Cameroonian Armed Forces personnel into Danare Community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State is now fully under control.
According to a statement issued by the 82 Division Nigerian Army, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Danare swiftly responded on June 9, 2026, after reports of the foreign military presence reached them. The Nigerian forces immediately contacted their Cameroonian counterparts, leading to the peaceful withdrawal of the Cameroonian troops from Nigerian territory in line with established border protocols. The situation was contained without any escalation or confrontation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute over the collection of levies on farmland situated between Danare Community in Nigeria and Dadi Community in Cameroon.
In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations and prevent recurrence, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division has directed the Commander of 13 Brigade to engage his Cameroonian counterpart. The planned visit aims to enhance border coordination, clarify operational procedures, and build confidence between the two militaries.
The Division reassured residents of Danare and surrounding areas that the situation is calm and under full control, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance along the border.
“Residents of Danare and adjoining areas are reassured that the situation is calm and fully under control,” the statement added.
The Army urged members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary tension in the area.
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