Thirty-eight members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, who were abducted during a violent attack on their congregation, have regained their freedom after five traumatic days in captivity.
The victims were rescued on Sunday, with the Kwara State Government confirming their safe return and commending the coordinated efforts that led to the breakthrough. The announcement, made by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through his media team, offered relief to families and residents who had endured days of anxiety following the attack.
Although the circumstances surrounding the rescue were not immediately disclosed, government officials said the development followed sustained operations by security agencies and heightened federal intervention prompted by the incident.
According to the state government, the release of the abducted worshippers was significantly influenced by direct presidential involvement, with President Bola Tinubu reportedly ordering intensified security actions immediately after receiving reports of the attack. The President was also said to have suspended his scheduled foreign engagements to focus on the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states.
Security deployments across Kwara were expanded shortly after the abduction, with new tactical units sent to reinforce ongoing operations in vulnerable areas. Local vigilante groups and community leaders were also believed to have played supportive roles by providing intelligence and coordinating with formal security structures.
The state government expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration that led to the breakthrough, noting that multiple agencies—including the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and the Office of the National Security Adviser—worked round-the-clock to locate and retrieve the abductees.
Authorities described the operation as intense and delicate, given the difficult terrain in parts of Ekiti LGA, where dense forests and remote footpaths are frequently exploited by criminal gangs.
Governor AbdulRazaq assured that the rescued worshippers were receiving medical attention and debriefing, while security around communities in the area had been further strengthened to prevent similar incidents. He added that the attack highlighted the need for continued collaboration between government, security agencies, and local stakeholders to restore peace in troubled regions.
Residents of Eruku and nearby communities have welcomed the news with excitement and relief, as many had feared a prolonged ordeal given the rising pattern of mass abductions in parts of North-Central Nigeria. Families of the victims were seen celebrating and reuniting with their loved ones after days of uncertainty.
The Kwara State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining peace across the state, assuring the public that measures were underway to enhance surveillance, improve rapid response capabilities, and secure worship centres, schools, and rural communities more effectively.
As investigations continue into how the attackers infiltrated the area, authorities have vowed to track down those responsible and dismantle the network behind the incident, insisting that criminal elements will not be allowed to undermine public safety.
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