- All 38 abducted worshippers rescued after intensified security operations
- Tinubu ordered massive deployments and halted foreign trip
- Church holds first service since attack under heavy security
- Officials confirm true figures, debunk misinformation
All 38 abducted Kwara church worshippers from the Eruku attack have regained freedom following days of coordinated security operations led by federal and state authorities. Their release came after President Bola Tinubu directly intervened, halting an international trip and ordering heightened deployments across affected communities.
The Kwara State Government confirmed the development in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye. He said the abductees were freed after tireless efforts by security agencies and government envoys working round the clock.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
READ ALSO: Nigeria Seeks Fair Mineral Trade, Ethical AI Rules at G20 Summit
Ajakaye noted that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq credited the rescue to President Bola Tinubu’s “hands-on approach,” explaining that the president postponed his scheduled G20 trip to South Africa to prioritise the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi. He added that Tinubu directed intensified deployments across the region.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigerian Police Force. He confirmed that the president approved the deployment of four additional tactical squads to support the rescue effort. He also thanked community leaders, religious institutions and security operatives for their support.
Meanwhile, Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Isegun in Eruku held its first service since the deadly attack that killed three worshippers, injured several others and led to the abduction of 38 people. The service, held inside the blood-stained auditorium, took place under heavy security with soldiers, SWAT teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes patrolling the area.
During the service, church secretary Michael Agbabiaka clarified that 38 people were abducted, countering social media claims of over 60 victims. He said the church initially compiled 35 names, but later identified three additional non-members taken during the attack. He urged the public to avoid misinformation.
READ ALSO: Delta Widows Hail Oborevwori for Paying October Stipends
Agbabiaka also confirmed that the abductors first demanded ₦100 million per victim before reducing the ransom to ₦20 million each, explaining that negotiations stalled on Friday. He said the church encouraged members to attend the service despite the emotional trauma.
Officiating pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the incident as a test of faith and told worshippers that he received divine assurance that the kidnapped victims would return alive. He likened their ordeal to the trials of biblical characters who prevailed through faith.
Security agencies continued ground and aerial surveillance across Eruku as part of the president’s directive to track the attackers and stabilize the area.
