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All 38 abducted worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after several days in captivity.
The victims were seized when gunmen stormed the church during a service, killing some worshippers and whisking away dozens in what has been described as one of the most disturbing attacks in the state in recent times.
Their release was confirmed on Sunday by the Kwara State Government in an official statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye. According to the statement, the freedom of the abductees followed coordinated efforts involving multiple security agencies and strategic interventions at the highest levels of government.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed profound relief and gratitude over the safe return of the victims, praising the resilience of the security forces and acknowledging the emotional toll the incident had taken on the families and the community. He described the successful rescue operation as a strong demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national security and the protection of citizens across the country.
According to Governor AbdulRazaq, President Tinubu played a pivotal role in securing the release of the abducted worshippers. The Governor revealed that the President had personally taken charge of efforts to resolve the situation. One of the clearest indications of the President’s commitment, AbdulRazaq noted, was his decision to cancel his planned trip to attend the G20 Meeting in South Africa in order to focus on the security breaches in both Kwara and Kebbi States.
“The freedom of our people is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who personally led the efforts to secure their release,” the Governor said in the statement. “We are immensely grateful for his direct initiative and steadfast commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians.”
The Governor explained that the President had ordered a significant increase in security presence across affected areas of Kwara, including new deployments and tactical reinforcements. One such measure was the deployment of four additional tactical police teams to the state on the President’s directive to fast-track the rescue mission and restore confidence in the affected communities.
Governor AbdulRazaq also extended appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police Force for their coordinated role in the operation. He said their synergy and professionalism were instrumental in securing the safe return of the hostages.
Additionally, the Governor thanked religious leaders, community influencers, and citizens across Kwara State who stood in solidarity with the government throughout the operation. He acknowledged the prayers, goodwill messages, and cooperation that poured in from concerned Nigerians following the tragic church attack.
As the rescued worshippers reunite with their families, the government reassured residents of its determination to prevent a recurrence of such violent attacks. Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized that the state would continue to work closely with federal security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response mechanisms.
The release of the abducted church members marks a significant relief for the people of Eruku and the entire state, closing a dark chapter while renewing hopes for strengthened security across Kwara State.
