Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has announced the release of all 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, who were seized during a violent attack on the church, regained their freedom on Sunday after days of what the Governor described as intense, coordinated efforts among security agencies and government authorities.
Governor AbdulRazaq credited the breakthrough to President Bola Tinubu’s “hands-on approach,” revealing that the President personally supervised efforts to secure their release. According to him, President Tinubu even cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to focus on the security crises in both Kwara and Kebbi States.
He added that the President ordered additional security deployments to the affected areas, a move that strengthened the rescue operation. The Nigeria Police Force recently dispatched four tactical teams to Kwara on the President’s directive.
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Governor AbdulRazaq expressed profound 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 for their swift and coordinated response. He also thanked community leaders, religious groups, and residents for their support throughout the ordeal.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had earlier condemned the attack on the church, describing it as “heartbreaking and sad,” especially as the incident occurred during a prayer service. Some worshippers were reportedly killed, and others kidnapped, throwing the community into deep distress.
With the release of the 38 abducted victims, residents of Eruku and the broader Kwara community are breathing a sigh of relief, even as calls intensify for stronger protection of vulnerable religious communities across the state.