The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has received the 38 rescued worshippers abducted during the attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Eruku area of the state.
At the Government House clinic, medical teams attended to the victims, many of whom appeared exhausted, frail, and visibly shaken after days in captivity. One of the freed worshippers described the ordeal as deeply traumatic, explaining that escaping from the bandits had been nearly impossible due to the harsh conditions they were subjected to.
Medical personnel provided medication, food, water, and further care for those too weak to stand. A pastor from the church expressed gratitude to both the federal and state governments for ensuring the safe return of the abducted members.
Upon arriving at the clinic, Governor Abdulrazaq interacted with several victims and personally evaluated the condition of those receiving treatment inside. He noted that although the release was a relief, it was not yet a moment for full celebration, as other Nigerians remained in captivity in different states.
The governor also extended appreciation to President Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment toward securing the release of the abductees.
In an official statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the state government confirmed the safe return of the 38 worshippers on Sunday, though details of how they regained freedom were not disclosed.
The attack occurred last Tuesday when armed assailants stormed the church during a service, killing three people and abducting 38 worshippers. Eyewitnesses recounted how the attackers arrived “suddenly and heavily armed,” prompting residents to flee into nearby bushes.
The kidnappers initially demanded ₦3 billion in ransom before later reducing the amount to ₦760 million. The incident triggered protests by outraged youths in the community.
In response to this and other attacks, President Tinubu postponed planned trips to Johannesburg and Luanda to receive continuous security briefings on the situation, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the Eruku incident. He also instructed security agencies to pursue the attackers without delay.
Before the victims’ release was confirmed, the church held its first Sunday service since the attack. Church Secretary Michael Agbabiaka explained that leaders encouraged members to gather despite their fear, seeing it as an act of courage and faith. During the sermon, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the tragedy as a test of faith and assured the congregation that God’s promise of safe return would prevail, likening their experience to the trials faced by the Israelites.
What You Should Know
The Eruku church attack marks yet another episode in the wave of violent kidnappings affecting communities in Nigeria.
The 38 rescued worshippers endured several days in captivity before their release was secured. Governor Abdulrazaq and President Tinubu have both taken active roles in addressing the situation, with Tinubu halting international engagements to focus on security.
Although the freed victims are receiving medical care and support, officials stress that many other abducted citizens across the country are still awaiting rescue, underscoring the ongoing challenge of insecurity nationwide.
