The 38 Abducted Kwara Church Worshippers who were forcefully taken during a violent assault on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku have finally regained their freedom after days of intense rescue operations coordinated by security agencies and government authorities. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the development, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s direct intervention played a decisive role in securing the release of the victims. The disturbing attack, which claimed three lives, had triggered outrage, protests, and rising security concerns across Kwara State.
According to a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, the freed victims were released on Sunday after what officials described as a painstaking and round-the-clock rescue mission. While the statement did not disclose specific details regarding how the 38 Abducted Kwara Church Worshippers were eventually rescued, it emphasized that their safety came after “many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives.”
The governor praised the resilience of the rescue team, stating:
“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State.”
Tinubu’s Direct Role in the Rescue Operation
A notable part of the government’s announcement was the acknowledgment of President Bola Tinubu’s decisive involvement. According to the statement, the president adopted a “hands-on approach” and personally supervised efforts to ensure the safe return of the abductees. It was further revealed that President Tinubu cancelled his scheduled attendance at the G20 Meeting in South Africa in order to respond swiftly to security concerns emerging from both Kwara and Kebbi states.
To strengthen the rescue mission, the president reportedly ordered additional security deployments to Kwara, demonstrating what the state government described as his unwavering commitment to Nigerian citizens’ safety. The governor expressed profound gratitude for this support, noting that the release of the 38 Abducted Kwara Church Worshippers would not have been possible without Tinubu’s direct intervention.
Security Agencies Commended for Their Role
Governor AbdulRazaq also commended several security bodies for their collaboration throughout the operation. The Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) were all mentioned for their strategic contributions. He also acknowledged the prayers and encouragement from religious leaders, community heads, and residents throughout the ordeal.
Details of the Deadly Church Attack
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday when heavily armed assailants invaded the Christ Apostolic Church parish in Eruku. Witnesses reported that the gunmen stormed the area unexpectedly, causing chaos as residents scrambled for safety in surrounding bushes. One witness said, “They came around nightfall and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken.” Later reports confirmed that three individuals lost their lives in the assault.
The kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of ₦3 billion before later reducing it to ₦760 million, escalating fear and tension across communities in the area.
Youth Protest in Eruku
The incident sparked a massive protest by youths in Eruku, who blocked the Ilorin–Kabba highway in anger and frustration. Their demonstration caused major traffic gridlock, as they accused security operatives stationed near the community of failing to respond during the prolonged attack, which reportedly lasted almost an hour without intervention.
The release of the victims brought relief to the state, but the attack has renewed calls for stronger security presence and faster emergency response in rural communities.
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