JUST IN: Bandits Demand N100 Million Each For 38 Worshippers Abducted In Kwara Church Attack

Bandits who abducted 38 worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly demanded N100 million ransom per victim.  According to Leadership, the kidnappers have begun contacting families of those taken during Tuesday’s church service. A community leader, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, the Olori Eta of Eruku—who has four relatives among the abducted—confirmed the development on Thursday, 20 November. Olukotun said he was inside the church with five family members when the gunmen invaded. He and one ward managed to escape through a window around 6:06 p.m. He explained that the kidnappers have now grouped the victims based on family ties and are reaching out to relatives one group at a time. He said, “From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they have grouped the victims according to their relations and are calling people in those groups. Some people in the community have received calls demanding N100 million for each person. As for my own people, I have not received any call yet, so I am still waiting.” The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, 18 November, left five worshippers dead and 38 others abducted, sparking widespread fear and tension across the community.

Read More

Olamide Condemns Rising Insecurity, Urges Unity Amid Kebbi Kidnappings And Kwara Church Attack

Nigerian rapper Olamide has voiced his deep concern over the escalating insecurity in the country in a heartfelt message on Instagram. He wrote: “Our nation has been hit by an alarming wave of one tragedy after another these past few days, and honestly, our hearts are broken. We are struggling to process the devastating attack at the CAC in Kwara, even as we mourn the loss of the AFUED NYSC corps members. Our worry is deep and constant, even as we hear that there have been more abductions. In the face of these heinous acts, our nation must draw upon its strength and unwavering resolve to stand together against those who seek to divide us. We as a people must unite to work and pray together for the safe return of the promising young minds kidnapped in Kebbi. I am sending every ounce of peace and strength to the families grieving, and prayers that all the abducted persons are brought home safely. These tragedies are a painful reminder that the safety and security of Nigerians must never be compromised. The right to life and education is fundamental. This can’t be our reality. Peace should be a certainty, not just a desperate prayer.” Olamide expressed heartbreak over recent tragedies, including the attack on the CAC in Kwara and the deaths of AFUED NYSC corps members, while also highlighting the ongoing abductions of young Nigerians. He urged citizens to stand united, work together, and pray for the safe return of those kidnapped, stressing that the country’s security must remain a priority. He further underscored that these incidents are a reminder that the right to life and education is fundamental, emphasizing that peace should be a guaranteed reality, not just a hope. Extending support to grieving families, Olamide’s message calls for national solidarity, vigilance, and compassion in the face of rising insecurity.

Read More

Kwara Government Shuts Schools In Four LGAs Amid Rising Security Threats

The Kwara State Government has directed the immediate shutdown of schools in four local government areas due to escalating security threats. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kwara State chapter, confirmed the development on Wednesday. In a circular seen by Channels Television, NUT Chairman Yusuf Agboola said schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs would remain closed until further notice. Agboola explained that the union was acting on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development following concerns over fresh security risks in Kwara South. “Comrade chairmen, please inform all schools in the specified local governments to close immediately until further notice. This decision responds to the security challenges in the area and the government’s efforts to manage the situation. Treat this notice with urgency as it comes directly from the ministry,” the circular stated. He added that school leaders and teachers would receive further updates as the situation unfolds.

Read More

Davido Condemns Kwara Church Attack, Prays For Victims And Kebbi Schoolgirls

Nigerian singer Davido has expressed profound sorrow following the recent attack on a church in Kwara State, urging Nigerians to unite against the growing wave of violence in the country. Sharing his reaction on X, he also linked the incident to the ongoing abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, calling for immediate action to protect innocent lives. “My heart goes out to the young girls kidnapped in Kebbi State and to their families. No family deserves this pain. As Nigerians, we must stand together in unity and continue working towards a country where every child can grow up in safety and hope,” he wrote. Davido also addressed the tragic attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara, where armed gunmen stormed an evening service. Reports indicate that at least three worshippers were killed and several others, including the pastor, were abducted. Security forces and local vigilantes responded swiftly, forcing the attackers to flee, and soldiers have been deployed to restore calm in the community. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic attack on the church in Kwara State. I pray for the families who lost loved ones and for everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident. These acts of violence must never become our norm,” he said. He urged Nigerians to assist in ongoing rescue efforts, particularly for the kidnapped girls in Kebbi State, emphasizing that credible information could make a crucial difference. “Everything must be done to bring the Kebbi girls home safely. I urge anyone with credible information to come forward in whatever safe and responsible way they can, so it can support ongoing efforts to rescue them,” he added. Davido concluded his statement with a prayer for protection, comfort, and justice: “May God watch over the girls until they return. May He comfort the grieving families in Kwara, bring peace to our nation, and put every sponsor of violence and disorder to shame.” He signed off as David Adeleke OON (Davido), captioning the post with a simple but powerful “💔🇳🇬.” By speaking out, Davido highlights the urgent need for unity, accountability, and safety across Nigeria. His message not only mourns the victims but also calls for collective action to prevent such tragedies and protect vulnerable communities from future attacks.

Read More

Tinubu Postpones South Africa and Angola Trips Amid Rising Attacks in Kwara and Kebbi States

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to attend the 20th G20 Summit and the 7th AU-EU Summit, citing growing security concerns across the country. The decision follows the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State. In a statement, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President will await further security briefings before traveling. In response to a request from the Governor of Kwara State, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of additional military and police personnel to Eruku and the wider Ekiti Local Government Area. He has also directed security agencies to pursue the bandits responsible for the attack. “The President was scheduled to leave Abuja today for the summits, but disturbed by the recent security breaches, he has suspended his departure,” Onanuga said. The President is now awaiting reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi on his behalf, as well as updates from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attacks. President Tinubu reiterated his directive to security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 abducted schoolgirls and ensure their safe return.

Read More

Funke Akindele, Falz, AY, Mr Macaroni Condemn Kwara Church Attack, Demand Urgent Action

Nigerian entertainers have expressed outrage following the recent attack on a church in Kwara State, where bandits killed worshippers and abducted several others. Funke Akindele, Falz, AY the Comedian, and Mr. Macaroni took to social media to condemn the violence and call on the government to take urgent action. Falz criticized the authorities, asking: “How many more people have to be kidnapped and murdered in cold blood? How many more lives do you want to waste? How many more futures do you wish to erase with your incompetence and inaction? @officialABAT” Mr. Macaroni slammed the government for its failure to protect citizens, writing: “Nigerians are waking up to yet another terrorist attack on a church in Kwara State. We have a tone‑deaf President, a callous and irresponsible government surrounded by the worst set of sycophants whose deception has made this country unbearable for the people!” Funke Akindele expressed her heartbreak after seeing footage of the attack: “Woke up to see a livestream of people being attacked inside a church in Kwara. 😭😭 This is sad and disturbing. I wept seeing that old woman who couldn’t walk well running for safety.” AY the Comedian highlighted the growing insecurity and the government’s inaction: “Nigeria is turning into a crime scene. Bandits storm churches to kill and abduct Christians. Children are kidnapped from schools. A Brigadier General is shot dead. Every day brings fresh chaos yet the government remains silent. How did we get here? Must outsiders come to fix what our leaders refuse to confront? We need safety, accountability, and real action, not silence.” Their reactions reflect widespread frustration over the rising insecurity in Nigeria and the urgent demand for decisive action to protect lives and restore peace.

Read More

Bandits Attack Kwara Church, Kill Three Worshippers and Abduct Pastor

Gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Oke Isegun in Eruku, a border community with Kogi in Ekiti LGA, Kwara State, abducting an unknown number of worshippers, including the pastor. A video captured during a live stream, seen by TheCable, shows the congregation in the middle of a service when gunshots rang out around the church. Panic spread as the worshippers scrambled for safety, while several armed bandits forced their way into the building. Reports indicate that at least five attackers ransacked the church, stealing belongings from worshippers. The PUNCH reported that three people were killed during the assault, while the pastor and several church members were taken away. A witness said, “The gunmen came into the church while people were gathered. They started shooting, and three people died immediately. They later rounded up some worshippers, including the pastor, and marched them into the bush.” Community leader Benjamin Ayeoribe added that Eruku has faced repeated bandit attacks over the last three weeks, with calls for help to local and state authorities yielding no results. “We have begged the local and state governments for help, but nothing concrete has come. We are living in fear every day,” he said. The attack comes less than 48 hours after bandits raided Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 25 schoolgirls. Terrifying Livestream From CAC Church In Eruku Town, Kwara State, Captured The Final Moments Before Gun-Wielding Terrorists Attacked During A Church Service. Several Worshippers Were Killed, While The Pastor And Others Were Abducted: pic.twitter.com/g3DjMzrrxY — Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) November 18, 2025

Read More

Kwara State Scraps PTA Fees, Rolls Out Free Textbooks and School Grants

The Kwara State Government has announced the end of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levies in all public primary schools, replacing them with annual school grants to cover the running costs of the institutions. Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), made the announcement during the opening of bids for the 2024 (3rd and 4th quarters) UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects. “The Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved the stoppage of PTA payments across all public primary schools in the state, from Primary 1 to 6. There will be no more PTA levies in Kwara State,” Prof. Adaramaja said. He also revealed that the state government will provide English and Mathematics textbooks free of charge to all pupils in public primary schools. The intervention projects will include the construction of classroom blocks with offices and toilets, renovation and remodeling of classrooms, drilling of solar-powered boreholes with tank stands, rehabilitation of digital literacy centers, provision of foundation literacy materials, fabrication and distribution of two-seater pupils’ desks, and implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative in selected local government areas. Prof. Adaramaja added that Governor AbdulRazaq has approved the payment of 2025 counterpart funds for UBEC/SUBEB projects. He urged contractors handling the projects to strictly follow specifications, warning that shoddy work would not be tolerated. He commended the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the programme. Representing the bidders, Maroof Ahmed, Secretary of the Indigenous Contractors Association, thanked the government for the opportunity and promised that members would deliver high-quality projects on time.  

Read More