ILORIN: Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed the release of 38 worshippers abducted during last week’s attack on the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The governor announced their freedom on Sunday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is excited to announce the freedom of 38 abducted persons, the statement read.
According to the governor, President Bola Tinubu personally supervised the rescue efforts and provided directives that paved the way for the successful operation.
The governor notes that this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, who directly led the efforts to secure the release of the abductees,” the statement added.
It also recalled that President Tinubu had postponed his scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to address security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to all the federal security agencies involved in the operation, including:
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Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
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Department of State Services (DSS)
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Nigerian Army
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Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA)
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Nigeria Police Force, which deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara on the President’s directive
He also thanked local vigilante groups and community stakeholders who assisted in the rescue operation.
Confirming the development, Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun, Michael Agbabiaka, told PUNCH Online that the DSS contacted the community around 4 p.m. to announce the captives’ release.
Yes, they called us that the abductees have been freed,” Agbabiaka said. “We are waiting for them to be brought back home. Our people are eager to see them alive and safe.”
Armed bandits had invaded the church during a service on Tuesday, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others. The attack, one of the largest mass abductions in Kwara’s recent history, triggered nationwide outrage and prompted an intensive search involving soldiers, DSS operatives, tactical police squads, anti-kidnapping units and local vigilantes.
The latest rescue offers relief to the community and comes amid rising concerns over bandit activity along Kwara’s borders with Kogi and Niger states
