By Amofokhai Williams
In a significant development, 38 worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun, Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, have been released, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The hostages were seized following a brutal attack on the church earlier this month, during which assailants opened fire inside the congregation. Initial reports indicate that two people lost their lives in the assault, which ended with the mass abduction.
The release was announced by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who credited the outcome to coordinated efforts by state and federal security agencies, as well as a “hands-on approach” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the governor’s office, the president cancelled a scheduled trip to the G20 summit to focus on security operations and ordered additional tactical deployments to the affected region.
In his own statement, President Tinubu said: “Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.”
He also pledged that: “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”
The community of Eruku rejoices at the return of the worshippers, while authorities caution that such incidents demand sustained vigilance.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police for their roles in securing the release.
While the freedom of the abductees is a welcome relief, security officials emphasise that the task of preventing future attacks remains urgent.
