By Ayomide Otitoju
The Kwara State Government has announced the release of 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed their freedom on Sunday in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
The state credited the successful rescue to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, who reportedly led efforts personally and postponed his scheduled trips to the G20 summit in South Africa and a meeting in Luanda, Angola, to monitor security operations. The president also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude 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 for their role in securing the victims’ release. He also thanked local leaders, religious institutions, and the people of Kwara for their support.
The worshippers had been abducted last Tuesday during a church service, which also left three people dead. Eyewitnesses said heavily armed gunmen stormed the parish at night, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety. The bandits initially demanded a ₦3 billion ransom, later reducing it to ₦760 million.
Following the release, the church held its first service on Sunday. Church Secretary Michael Agbabiaka said the congregation attended despite fear and trauma, praising government security operatives now patrolling the town.
In his sermon, Pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the ordeal as a test of faith, likening the abduction to biblical trials and assuring the congregation that the abducted worshippers would return safely.
