Bandits who abducted 38 worshippers in Kwara state as captured in a viral video are now demanding for N20m per victim - Relative of victim alleges (video)

Tension has continued to grip communities in Kwara State after bandits who abducted 38 worshippers from a church in the Eruku area were seen in a disturbing viral video. According to relatives, the kidnappers are now demanding 20 million per victim, a development that has deepened fear and despair among families. A News Central journalist stationed in the area reported that residents have begun fleeing the community, unable to cope with the trauma of the attack which has attracted national and international outrage. Many homes have reportedly been left empty overnight as people relocate in fear of further raids. The pastor of the targeted church also spoke to journalists, revealing that his first son is among those kidnapped. He described the experience as devastating, adding that the situation has left the entire congregation in shock. Another relative of one of the victims said the bandits initially demanded 100 million for each abducted person, before later reducing the ransom to 20 million per victim. The families say the new demand is still impossible to meet, with many of the victims coming from modest, rural backgrounds. It was also gathered that each time relatives attempt to contact the kidnappers, a woman consistently answers the phone on behalf of the bandit group, further raising questions about the structure of the criminal gang and how they operate. Watch the video below