Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Sunday received the 38 worshippers kidnapped during last week’s brutal attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, marking the end of days of fear, uncertainty, and intense rescue pressure.
The survivors were taken straight to the Government House clinic, where medical teams quickly moved in to stabilise them. Many of the victims—visibly drained, dehydrated, and deeply shaken—were provided with medication, food, and water. Those in more fragile condition were immediately ushered into the clinic for extended care.
One of the freed captives described their time in the hands of the heavily armed assailants as “days of torment,” recounting how the gang’s brutality made escape nearly impossible.
A pastor of the CAC congregation expressed immense relief at their return, praising both the federal and state authorities for the efforts put into securing the victims’ freedom. He added that the church community had lived through “agonising days,” unsure of what fate awaited their missing members.
Governor Abdulrazaq, after interacting with the rescued worshippers and reviewing their treatment, cautioned that while their return was heartening, the nation was not free from grief.
“The return of these 38 citizens is a moment of relief, but it is not yet a moment for jubilation,” he said. “Too many Nigerians remain in captivity across the country, and our work is far from finished.”
He acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s role in the release and ongoing national security response.
State Government Confirms Release, Maintains Silence on Method
In an earlier statement issued by Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye, the state government officially announced that all 38 worshippers had regained freedom but did not disclose whether a rescue operation, negotiation, or other method led to the breakthrough.
The abduction occurred last Tuesday when gunmen stormed the church mid-service, killing three people and whisking away dozens of congregants. Witnesses said the attackers arrived “without warning, firing shots,” which sent residents fleeing into nearby bushes.
The kidnappers initially demanded an astronomical ransom of ₦3 billion, later lowering it to ₦760 million. News of the attack ignited outrage among youths in the community, who organised protests demanding immediate government intervention.
Tinubu Halts Foreign Trips, Orders Aggressive Security Response
President Tinubu—already monitoring a separate kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State—responded to the Eruku attack by postponing his scheduled visits to Johannesburg and Luanda.
He directed security agencies to mount aggressive pursuit operations and intensify nationwide rescue efforts.
Church Resumes Worship Amid Pain and Hope
Hours before the announcement of the victims’ release, the CAC parish held its first Sunday service since the tragedy.
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Church Secretary Michael Agbabiaka clarified the exact number of abducted members and said the service was intentionally held to strengthen the congregation’s spirit in the face of trauma.
During the sermon, Presiding Pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the ordeal as a “trial of faith,” assuring members that the church had never doubted that the captives would return alive.
He likened the congregation’s emotional journey to the biblical tribulations of the Israelites, declaring the survival of the victims as evidence of divine mercy and endurance.
