Thirty-eight people kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, during a thanksgiving service, have regained their freedom after five days in captivity.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the release in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye, on Sunday. He said the successful rescue was largely due to the direct involvement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, I am 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,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq added, “This was wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who personally led the efforts to free the abductees. The abductees were freed today, November 23. I am immensely grateful to President Tinubu for his direct initiative that made this happen.”
The governor noted that the President had cancelled his planned trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to focus on security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states. He also directed increased security deployment to Kwara, showing commitment to the safety of Nigerians.
AbdulRazaq further expressed appreciation to security agencies involved, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four new tactical teams to the state.
He also thanked community leaders, religious institutions, and residents of Kwara for their support since the abduction.
The circumstances of the rescue, including where the victims were held or how the operation was conducted, were not immediately disclosed.
