JUST IN: 38 Abducted Worshippers of Kwara Church Regain Freedom
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has confirmed the release of 38 worshippers abducted during the recent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The victims regained their freedom on Sunday, November 23, following several days of coordinated security operations involving multiple federal and state agencies.
Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, announced the development in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to the statement, Governor AbdulRazaq credited the successful rescue to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, revealing that the President personally intervened and ordered decisive measures to secure the release of the abductees.
“The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States,” the governor stated.
“He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.”
The statement noted that the abducted worshippers “were freed today, November 23.”
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu, saying the rescue “is wholly due to his direct initiative.” He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Police Force, which deployed four new tactical teams to the state under the President’s directive.
The governor further thanked religious bodies, community leaders, and residents for their solidarity throughout the ordeal.
The victims’ return brings much-needed relief to the Eruku community, which had been traumatized since the attack that drew nationwide concern.
Earlier on Sunday, SaharaReporters reported that church service had resumed at the CAC following the terrorist attack.
It will be recalled that on November 18, ten armed men stormed the church during an evening service, shooting at worshippers. Thirty-eight members were abducted, and several— including the pastor—were killed in the attack.
