Thirty-eight persons abducted during the recent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been released, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced on Sunday. The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, stated that the freedom was achieved “After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives.” Governor AbdulRazaq gave credit to President Bola Tinubu for his direct involvement in ensuring the victims were safely returned.
Governor AbdulRazaq directly attributed the success to President Bola Tinubu, stating that the release, which occurred on November 23, was “wholly due to the hands-on approach” of the President, who personally led the efforts to free the abductees. The statement emphasized the Governor’s immense gratitude to President Tinubu “for his direct initiative that made this happen.” The statement also recalled that the President had recently postponed his scheduled trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to personally oversee security measures in Kwara and Kebbi states.
The statement reiterated that President Tinubu “had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States.” Furthermore, the President “had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara,” a directive which the Governor noted underlined Tinubu’s firm commitment to the safety of Nigerians. Governor AbdulRazaq concluded by extending his thanks to the federal security agencies and local forces that were involved in the successful rescue operation.
Governor AbdulRazaq extended specific appreciation to key security and intelligence bodies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police. He specifically thanked the Police for deploying four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President. The Governor also thanked other stakeholders whose support contributed to the abductees’ safe return.
The release was independently confirmed by the Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun, Michael Agbabiaka, who said the DSS contacted the community around 4 pm with the news that the captives had been freed. Agbabiaka noted that the community was anxiously awaiting the victims’ arrival for reunion with their families.
Michael Agbabiaka, Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun, confirmed the news: “Yes, they called us that the abductees have been freed.” He added, “We are waiting for them to be brought back to the community. Our people are eager to see them alive and safe.” The Kwara abduction, which triggered national outrage, involved armed bandits invading a church service on Tuesday, killing three worshippers and whisking away 38 others.
This incident stands as one of the largest mass abductions in Kwara’s recent history and intensified concerns regarding growing bandit activity near the state’s borders with Kogi and Niger. The successful release followed days of an intensive combing operation involving soldiers, DSS operatives, Special Tactical Squad units, SWAT personnel, anti-kidnapping operatives, and local vigilantes.
