Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed the release of 38 individuals kidnapped during the recent armed attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, located in the Ekiti Local Government Area.
The development was revealed on Sunday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, who credited the success of the operation to coordinated efforts by federal authorities and multiple security agencies.
According to the statement, “After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State.”
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for playing a decisive role in the rescue mission. The statement added, “The governor says this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who has personally led the efforts to free the abductees. The abductees were freed today, November 23.”
It further noted that the President had postponed his planned participation at the G20 meeting in South Africa to focus on security concerns in Kwara and Kebbi States. “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. He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and well-being of our people and Nigerians as a whole,” the statement explained.
Governor AbdulRazaq also acknowledged the contribution of various federal security outfits. “The governor also expresses appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; the Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and, of course, the Nigeria Police, which has graciously deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President,” the statement read.
READ ALSO:
- I Overstayed in My Mother’s Womb, and That Inspired My Name – Antar Laniyan
- ‘I Have Never Experienced Joy in Marriage’ – Sola Allyson
- Lagos Hosts Emotional Farewell for Segun Awolowo with Top Leaders in Attendance (Photos)
- Argentina, Spain Get Favorable Draws As 2026 World Cup Groups Are Unveiled
- Akpabio Files Fresh N200 Billion Defamation Suit Against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
Local stakeholders were similarly applauded for their involvement in the rescue operation.
Confirming the development, the Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun, Michael Agbabiaka, told PUNCH Online that the DSS informed the community of the victims’ release around 4 p.m. “Yes, they called us that the abductees have been freed,” he said, adding that the community eagerly awaited their return. “We are waiting for them to be brought back to the community. Our people are eager to see them alive and safe.”
The abduction had sparked nationwide criticism after gunmen stormed the church during a service on Tuesday, killing three worshippers and kidnapping 38 others. It was one of Kwara’s largest mass abductions in recent times and intensified concerns about rising bandit activity along the state’s borders with Kogi and Niger.
The rescue followed a sweeping operation by security forces, which included soldiers, DSS operatives, Special Tactical Squad personnel, SWAT officers, anti-kidnapping units and local vigilantes.