All thirty-eight worshippers who were kidnapped from the Christ Apostolic Church in Oke-Isegun, Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after five days in captivity.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the release and described it as a major relief for the government and people of the state. He said the victims were rescued following a coordinated operation involving multiple federal security agencies.
Tinubu’s Direct Intervention
According to the governor’s office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally intervened after receiving reports of the abduction. He instructed federal security agencies to deploy additional tactical teams to Kwara State and closely monitored the rescue operation from Abuja. Government officials said the President postponed an international trip in order to focus on the situation.
The rescue effort involved the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police Force. The police reportedly deployed four newly assembled tactical units to strengthen operations across the area.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to these agencies and praised religious leaders, community volunteers and residents who offered support and prayers throughout the crisis.
Victims Undergo Medical Care
The victims were immediately taken to the Government House Clinic in Ilorin for evaluation. Many of them appeared exhausted after days of trekking, hunger and exposure in the forest where they were held.
Some of the freed worshippers said the experience was terrifying. They recalled being threatened repeatedly by their abductors and being warned against attempting to escape.
Health officials confirmed that the victims are stable but will continue to receive care and monitoring.
“We Will Not Rest Until All Nigerians Are Safe”
Governor AbdulRazaq said that while the successful rescue is worth celebrating, the state remains concerned about other kidnapping cases across the country, including the still-missing schoolgirls in Kebbi. He said the government will continue to support security agencies until those victims are also reunited with their families.
He also reassured residents that the state will strengthen local security structures and work closely with communities to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Relief in Eruku Community
Residents of Eruku and surrounding towns expressed joy when news of the release reached them. Many gathered in churches and community centers to offer prayers of thanksgiving.
Local leaders called on the government to sustain the current momentum, improve rural security and protect places of worship, which have become vulnerable targets in many parts of the country.
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