Thirty-eight members of the Christ Apostolic Church in Oke Isegun, Eruku, are currently under close medical supervision following their release from a five-day captivity in the forest.
The group, abducted during a church service last Tuesday, regained freedom on Sunday and were immediately taken to the Kwara State Government House Clinic in Ilorin.
Authorities have implemented strict security and confidentiality measures at the facility. Only medical staff and trauma specialists are permitted access, and even healthcare workers are barred from carrying mobile phones inside.
A senior government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the victims will remain under observation for an extended period.
“Their ordeal was extremely traumatic, particularly for the elderly and younger members,” the official stated. “The government is committed to ensuring they receive comprehensive care before they can safely return home.”
Upon their release, the group met with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, after which they were promptly transported to the clinic.
Visitors are not allowed, and the details of the rescue operation have been kept confidential by both the state government and security agencies.
One of the freed captives, Bamidele Emmanuel, described the attack as sudden and terrifying. “We initially thought the sound of gunfire was just some sparking wire.
Within minutes, the bandits had surrounded the church,” he recalled. Emmanuel said that people tried to flee, but bloodshed and chaos quickly engulfed the congregation.
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The survivors recounted that the abductors had extensive knowledge of the local terrain, making escape impossible. “As soon as we were taken into the forest, it was clear they controlled the entire area,” Emmanuel said. “They told us they were bandits and made it clear no one could get away.”
He added that the victims suffered both physical and psychological abuse during their captivity, describing the experience as “unimaginable” and something no one should endure.
Security agencies have remained tight-lipped about the rescue operation, leaving many questions unanswered about how the victims were ultimately freed.
