The 38 worshippers kidnapped during Tuesday’s attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom after days in captivity.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed their release on Sunday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, who said the breakthrough followed sustained efforts by security agencies and government officials.
“His Excellency is delighted to announce the freedom of the 38 persons abducted during the attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku,” the statement read.
Governor AbdulRazaq credited President Bola Tinubu for directly coordinating efforts to secure the victims’ release. He noted that the President cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to address the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states and ordered reinforced deployments to vulnerable communities.
He expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police Force, which recently deployed four additional tactical teams to the state.
The Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun, Michael Agbabiaka, also confirmed the release to PUNCH Online, saying the DSS informed the community around 4 pm on Sunday that the captives had been freed. He said residents were eagerly awaiting their return.
“Yes, they called us that the abductees have been freed,” he said. “Our people are eager to welcome them back alive and safe.”
The attack, which left three worshippers dead and 38 others abducted, triggered widespread outrage and heightened concerns over rising bandit incursions along Kwara’s borders with Kogi and Niger states.
The victims’ release follows a sweeping rescue effort involving soldiers, DSS operatives, Special Tactical Squad units, SWAT personnel, anti-kidnapping teams and local vigilantes.
