Breaking: 38 Worshippers Abducted from Kwara Church Regain Freedom After Five Days in Captivity

Relief in Kwara: Abducted CAC Eruku Worshippers Regain Freedom

 In a major breakthrough for the people of Kwara State, the thirty-eight worshippers kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area have finally regained their freedom. The victims, who were abducted during a Thanksgiving service last week, were released after spending five tense and traumatic days in the hands of bandits. Their release was officially announced on Sunday by the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye. The development brought relief to families, community members, and Nigerians at large who had been anxiously following the incident.
This report provides a detailed breakdown of everything that happened, how the attack occurred, the response from the government, the efforts by security agencies, and the reactions following the victims’ safe return.

The disturbing incident unfolded during a Thanksgiving service at CAC Oke-Isegun, a popular church located in Eruku, a peaceful community within the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. According to eyewitnesses from the community, heavily armed bandits stormed the church, shooting sporadically into the air and causing panic among worshippers. In the chaotic moment that followed, the attackers whisked away thirty-eight men, women, and children, leaving the community devastated. Families were thrown into confusion, and community leaders immediately sounded the alarm to security agencies and the state government. The attack quickly became a national concern, especially as kidnapping cases targeting places of worship, schools, and rural communities have been rising across parts of the country.

In the official statement issued by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the state government credited the successful release of the abducted worshippers to the combined efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian security agencies, and community support networks. The governor revealed that President Tinubu personally intervened in the matter, demonstrating what he described as a “hands-on approach” in ensuring that the victims were rescued unharmed. According to the statement, the president went as far as cancelling his scheduled trip to the G20 Meeting in South Africa so he could closely monitor the security breaches in both Kwara and Kebbi States. This action was highlighted as a strong show of commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
Governor AbdulRazaq said:

“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State.”

He went further to emphasize that the coordinated response was made possible through the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR:

“The abductees were freed today, November 23. The Governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu for his direct initiative that made this happen.”

The state government did not provide all the operational details surrounding the rescue, which is understandable due to ongoing security investigations. However, the statement acknowledged the collaborative work of various security agencies, including
1. Department of State Services (DSS):
The DSS reportedly played a central role in intelligence gathering and tracking the movement of the kidnappers during the rescue operation.

2. Nigerian Army:
The army was part of the tactical response, especially in manning surrounding forests and potential escape routes.

3. Nigeria Police Force (NPF):
In direct compliance with President Tinubu’s directive, the police deployed four new tactical units to Kwara State specifically to aid in the rescue mission and strengthen overall security.

4. Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA):
The NIA provided additional intelligence support to complement local and national security networks.

5. Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA):
The ONSA served as a coordinating body, ensuring that all agencies shared critical information efficiently and promptly.

The joint operations created a pressure-filled environment for the kidnappers, which reportedly led to the eventual release of the victims.
Following the attack, members of the Eruku community worked closely with local security stakeholders, vigilante groups, and government officials. Community elders, religious leaders, youth groups, and residents stood together, constantly offering information and moral support during the rescue operations.
The governor acknowledged this support, stating:

“The governor also thanks members of the security forces across the board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident.”

For five days, families of the victims prayed, held vigils, and worked tirelessly to maintain communication channels with authorities.
Although details about the condition of the victims remained limited at the time of reporting, sources confirmed that they were undergoing medical checks and psychological evaluation to ensure their well-being after the distressing experience. Community members in Eruku reportedly trooped out to welcome their loved ones with tears of joy, praising God and thanking the government and security agencies for the safe return of the abducted worshippers.

Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving security across the state, especially in rural communities that are more vulnerable to such attacks. The release of the abductees, he said, should not overshadow the need for better preventive measures going forward. He assured residents that security operations would continue in forests and border communities to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

The release of the 38 worshippers brings temporary relief, but it also rekindles discussions about the need for stronger national collaboration to tackle insecurity. Many Nigerians have expressed hope that the successful rescue operation will become a model for future responses to kidnapping incidents.
Security experts also emphasized the importance of community policing, improved intelligence sharing, and consistent investment in state and federal security agencies.
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The safe return of the thirty-eight abducted worshippers marks a significant victory for Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole. It showcases what is possible when government officials, security agencies, and community members work together with seriousness and determination. As families celebrate the return of their loved ones, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by insecurity and the urgent need to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. The people of Eruku, along with Nigerians everywhere, look forward to a future where places of worship, schools, markets, and communities are safe once again.


By PrimeLineInfo