ERUKU: 38 Church Abductees Freed — Nigerians Demand Disclosure of Government Rescue Method

 

ERUKU: 38 Church Abductees Freed — Nigerians Demand Disclosure of Government Rescue Method

•••As Kwara Governor Credited Successful Rescue to President Tinubu

Nigerians are questioning why the government has not disclosed how 38 worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, Kwara State, were rescued. While the release has brought relief, many residents and community leaders are demanding clarity on the method used in the operation and whether the kidnappers have been apprehended.

This outrage  follows an update from the Kwara State Government, which confirmed that the 38 members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, who were kidnapped by bandits, have regained their freedom. Eagles Sight News reports. 

According to a statement issued by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the victims were released on Sunday. The statement did not specify the conditions or method through which the abductees were freed.

It reads in part: “After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State.”

The government credited the successful rescue to the decisive involvement of President Bola Tinubu, noting that he “personally led the efforts” to secure the victims’ release.

It added: “The governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu for his direct initiative that made this happen.

The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states.

He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and well-being of our people and Nigerians as a whole.”

Governor AbdulRazaq also expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Police, and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts. He further acknowledged religious leaders, community figures, and all Kwarans for their encouragement throughout the ordeal.

Deadly Attack

The incident occurred last Tuesday when armed men stormed the church premises, killing three individuals and abducting 38 worshippers during a service.

Residents told Channels Television that the attackers arrived unexpectedly and were heavily armed, forcing many townspeople to escape into surrounding bushes.

One witness recounted: “They came around nightfall and started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken.”

Initially, the kidnappers demanded ₦3 billion for the release of the victims, later reducing the ransom to ₦760 million.

Protest

Outraged by the attack, youths from the community mounted a protest, blocking the Ilorin–Kabba highway and causing a major traffic gridlock. They claimed the assault lasted nearly an hour without intervention from security operatives stationed in the area.

In reaction to this attack and another in Kebbi, President Tinubu postponed planned trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, pending further security briefings. He also ordered security agencies to pursue the perpetrators.

Questions from Citizens

While the release of the worshippers has brought relief, citizens have expressed concern over the government’s lack of transparency regarding the rescue. Many wonder why authorities have not disclosed the method of the operation or whether the kidnappers have been apprehended. Residents and community leaders are calling for clarification on both issues to restore confidence in the security apparatus.

First Service After the Attack

During the church’s first service since the incident, the congregation clarified the number of abducted worshippers.

Church Secretary Michael Agbabiaka said leaders encouraged members to attend despite lingering fear, describing the gathering as an act of courage and faith. *“As you can see, only a few people are present, but we thank God for life and for strengthening us.

We also appreciate the government for deploying security operatives who are now patrolling the town and the church,”* he noted.

Delivering the sermon, Presiding Pastor Bamidele Lawrence called the tragedy a test of faith, assuring members that God had promised the safe return of all abductees. He likened their experience to the biblical trials faced by the Israelites.