Security Forces Secure Release of Abducted Worshippers
In a significant development, all 38 individuals who were kidnapped during a brutal attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun in Eruku community, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have finally regained their freedom. The Kwara State government officially confirmed the release on Sunday through a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye.
The statement highlighted that the successful outcome was the result of many days of intense effort by the nation's security forces and government representatives. It credited the hands-on leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who personally led the efforts to secure the release of the captives.
President Tinubu's Direct Involvement
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his spokesman, emphasized that the freedom of the worshippers was "wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu." The president's commitment was demonstrated when he canceled his scheduled trip to the G20 Meeting in South Africa to focus on the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States.
Furthermore, President Tinubu had directed heightened security deployments to Kwara State, a move that underscored his administration's firm commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians. The governor also extended his gratitude to several security agencies for their roles, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four new tactical teams on the president's directive.
Church Holds Service in Blood-Stained Auditorium
Meanwhile, the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun in Eruku held its first Sunday service since the deadly attack that occurred the previous Tuesday. The service took place amidst a heavy security presence in and around the church premises, with journalists observing deployments of soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and local vigilantes.
The service was conducted inside the very auditorium where the attack occurred, which still bore blood stains from the tragic incident. The gathering was dominated by prayers for the safe return of the kidnapped and for the repose of the three members who lost their lives.
During the service, the church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, provided crucial clarifications. He confirmed that the number of abducted persons was 38, not the 60 that had been circulating on social media. He explained that the initial list had 35 names, but a verification exercise later identified three additional non-members who were also taken.
Agbabiaka also disclosed chilling details about the kidnappers' demands, revealing that the bandits had initially demanded a ransom of N100 million per victim. After negotiations, this amount was reduced to N20 million per head before communications broke off on Friday. Despite the fear and trauma, church leaders encouraged members to attend the service as an act of faith and resilience.
The officiating pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the harrowing event as a test of faith, sharing that he had received divine assurances about the safety of the kidnapped worshippers, likening their ordeal to the trials of the Israelites in the Bible.
