BREAKING: 38 Abducted Kwara CAC Church Worshippers Regain Freedom

BREAKING: 38 Abducted Kwara CAC Church Worshippers Regain Freedom

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed the release of the 38 worshippers abducted during last week’s attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, who said the rescue followed several days of coordinated operations by federal security agencies.

According to the statement, the governor attributed the successful operation to President Bola Tinubu’s “hands-on and personal involvement,” noting that the victims regained freedom on November 23.

“The governor says this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who personally led efforts to free the abductees,” the statement read. “He is immensely grateful to the President for the direct initiative that made this happen.”

Tinubu cancelled G20 trip to oversee rescue efforts

The statement also recalled that President Tinubu postponed his scheduled trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to attend to the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States, directing the deployment of additional security assets to the affected regions.

“He ordered heightened security presence in Kwara, underscoring his commitment to the safety of Nigerians,” the CPS added.

Security agencies, local operatives praised

Governor AbdulRazaq extended appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that four tactical police teams were deployed to Kwara on the President’s orders.

Local support groups and community stakeholders were also acknowledged for their involvement in the search-and-rescue operations.

Community confirms release, awaits safe return

Speaking to PUNCH Online, the Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun, Michael Agbabiaka, confirmed that the DSS informed the community around 4 p.m. on Sunday that the abductees had been freed.

“We are waiting for them to be brought back home,” he said. “Our people are eager to see them alive and safe.”

Background: Attack that sparked national outrage

The abduction, which occurred during a church service on Tuesday, left three worshippers dead and 38 others taken away by armed bandits. The incident triggered national condemnation and heightened concerns about rising criminal activity around Kwara’s borders with Kogi and Niger States.

The victims’ rescue follows an intensive manhunt by joint forces comprising soldiers, DSS operatives, Special Tactical Squad units, SWAT personnel, anti-kidnapping teams and local vigilantes.

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