The Pastor of the CAC church where bandits attacked worshipers during a praise service has given an account of how the attack was carried out.
In an interview with New Central monitored by Church Times, the pastor of the Church called, Lawrence Bamidele said the attack started around 6pm.
He said, ‘That night we started the praise service programme around 5.30, by 6 pm we saw about 10 bandits inside the compound. They started shooting at the mission house and later they came to the church and started spraying our people with bullet. They killed the security man and then two other people while about 38 people were kidnapped..
He said his first son and wife of one of the assistant pastors were among the 38 people kidnapped.
Another member who escaped from being kidnapped by the bandits said his elder sister could not escape.
The man who spoke with News Central said they have been communicating with the bandits through a number they gave them.
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We have been talking with them. Initially they were asking for N100 million but as of today (November 21) they have reduced the amount to N20 million per person.
The bandits according to the man promised to call again at 4 pm. but disclosed that they were yet to call as at the time the interview was being conducted.
The community where the attack took place is currently being deserted according to the News Central reporter.
CAC president visits church
Meanwhile the President of the Church, Pastor Samuel Oladele on Friday November 21 visited Erùkú Town to commiserate with members of the church, their families and the community on the attack by bandits
A statement by the church’s director of publicity, Pastor Ademisoye Alawode informed that Pastor Oladele was received by the Superintendent of Eruku Zone, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, other ministers, elders and some members of the Church.
Oladele.was said to have expressed deep concern that such dastardly attack was carried out on innocent worshippers, including children, women and the aged.
However, he affirmed his faith in God to protect the abductees and bring them back safely and to the glory of His name.
“We serve a living God, and He remains God in all situations; He promised never to leave nor forsake us, we trust Him to do just that,” he said.
The Clergyman called on the Government and its agencies to do all that is within their power to combat the menace of insecurity in our country decisively and bring to justice the perpetrators of the evil.
“We are not saying that the government is not doing anything, but their best is not good enough; God placed them in office to ensure the safety and welfare of the people, among other things. The challenges may be enormous, but security must be prioritized,” he said.
The President prayed for the prompt release and safe return of those who were abducted.
Pastor Oladele also paid a courtesy call on the Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olanrewaju, and where he prayed for the peace and prosperity of the land.
The entourage of the President were the Regional Superintendent of Babajide Region -(CAC Kwara and Kogi States) Pastor S.O. Owolabi, Special Assistant to the CAC President, Pastor T.D. Asokeji, Personal Assistant to CAC General Evangelist, Evang. Marvelous Okunola, and others.