Dare Babalola
Abiodun Bamidele, the pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State’s Ekiti Local Government Area, has shared his harrowing experience of the attack, describing how armed bandits stormed the church and terrorised worshippers.
Speaking to journalists in the community on Wednesday, the cleric said the attackers burst into the church during a service, firing shots that killed three members instantly.
Bamidele explained that after the attack, the gunmen took at least 35 worshippers hostage, forcing them into the bush.
“There was an incident when the bandits came, and they kidnapped almost 30 to 35 members of the church,” the visibly shaken pastor said.
The pastor further urged security agencies and the Kwara State Government to step up efforts to rescue the abducted worshippers and ensure the community’s safety.
The incident happened on Monday, leading to the death of the vice principal, who attempted to stop the gunmen from abducting the students.
Since the attack, the Federal Government has ordered security agencies to rescue the girls.
On Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima, visited the community as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima re-echoed Tinubu’s priority of the girls’ safe return and lauded security agencies for their efforts so far.
The VP had landed at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport alongside the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, and other members of his entourage earlier in the day.
He described the incident as unfortunate said the Federal Government will do everything possible to ensure the safe return of the students.
Shettima said the Nigerian authorities will deploy all machineries of government to make that happen.
