Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday announced the release of 38 persons abducted during last Tuesday’s attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, who said the victims regained freedom after several days of coordinated operations by security agencies and government officials.
“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku,” the statement read.
Governor AbdulRazaq attributed the breakthrough to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President personally took charge of the rescue efforts.
According to the statement, President Tinubu had cancelled his scheduled attendance at the G20 Meeting in South Africa to focus on managing the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States.
“He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, underscoring his commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians,” the governor said.
The governor further commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police Force—particularly the four newly deployed tactical teams sent to Kwara on the President’s orders.
Local stakeholders, vigilante groups and community leaders were also appreciated for their support during the operation.
Confirming the release, the Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun, Michael Agbabiaka, told PUNCH Online that the DSS contacted the community around 4 p.m. to announce that the abductees had been rescued.
“We are waiting for them to be brought back to the community. Our people are eager to see them alive and safe,” he said.
The attack, which claimed the lives of three worshippers and saw 38 others kidnapped, had sparked national outrage, marking one of the largest mass abductions in Kwara’s recent history. The incident also intensified concerns about escalating bandit activities around the state’s borders with Kogi and Niger.
The victims’ release follows days of intensive combing operations involving soldiers, DSS operatives, the Police Special Tactical Squad, SWAT units, anti-kidnapping teams and local vigilantes.
Authorities say the rescued individuals will soon be reunited with their families as the community prepares to welcome them back.
