Not fewer than 38 members of a church kidnapped in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have finally reunited with their families to an emotional homecoming, days after officials first announced their rescue.
The victims were abducted on November 18, 2025, during a special thanksgiving service at CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, an attack that left three people dead and one person with gunshot injuries.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti Local Government Chairman, Dada Sunday, confirmed that the victims were formally handed over to the Ekiti LGA Chairman, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
According to the CPS, the handover “marked the conclusion of a coordinated rescue operation involving federal and state security agencies.”
While receiving the released worshippers, Awelewa expressed deep appreciation to all security stakeholders, describing the intervention as both “swift and decisive.”
He added: “We appreciate the comprehensive medical care and other provisions given to the abductees after their rescue. Our administration will continue to prioritise security across all 10 wards. We will leave no stone unturned in protecting the lives and property of our people through a robust security network.”
The freed victims arrived in Eruku around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, where jubilant relatives and residents waited along the streets to welcome them back home.
Also speaking, the Owa of Eruku praised the collaborative rescue effort involving various security agencies and government authorities.
He said, “Their reunion has brought relief to the community. Since the day of the attack, we have not had rest of mind. We thank President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq and all the security agencies for ensuring their safe return.”
