Kwara Govt Secures Freedom of 38 Abducted Worshippers After Joint Security Operation

Kwara State has regained its sense of relief as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced that the 38 worshippers abducted during the violent attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku have been rescued after days of intense security operations.

The confirmation came through a statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye who noted that the rescue followed sustained efforts by security agencies and government officials working around the clock.

According to the statement the Governor attributed the breakthrough to President Bola Tinubu’s direct involvement saying his firm commitment made the release possible. The abductees secured their freedom on November 23 after days in captivity.

The statement also recalled that President Tinubu suspended his planned trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to personally coordinate security responses in both Kwara and Kebbi where breaches had been recorded. His intervention included ordering heightened security deployment across affected areas.

Governor AbdulRazaq also extended appreciation to federal security institutions noting the collaboration of the Office of the National Security Adviser the DSS the Nigerian Army the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police which recently deployed four tactical teams to Kwara on presidential directive.

Community confirmation also came from Michael Agbabiaka the Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun who told reporters that the DSS contacted the community around 4 pm to announce the captives’ freedom. He said residents were gathered and waiting anxiously for the safe return of their loved ones.

The abduction had drawn nationwide outrage after armed attackers stormed the Tuesday church service killing three worshippers and kidnapping 38 others. It was one of the largest mass abductions recorded in Kwara and deepened concerns about rising bandit activity along its borders with Kogi and Niger.

Security agencies launched a sweeping operation days before the release deploying soldiers DSS operatives Special Tactical Squad units SWAT teams anti kidnapping operatives and local vigilantes in a coordinated combing effort across the forests surrounding Eruku.