Security Forces Secure Release of Abducted Worshippers
In a significant development for Kwara State, all 38 worshippers who were kidnapped during a brutal attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun in Eruku community have regained their freedom. The state government officially confirmed the release on Sunday through an announcement from the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye.
The successful resolution came after several days of intensive efforts by multiple security agencies working in coordination with government representatives. According to the official statement, the release represents a major victory in the ongoing battle against insecurity in the region.
Presidential Intervention and Security Deployment
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq attributed the successful outcome directly to President Bola Tinubu's hands-on approach to the crisis. The President had personally taken charge of the efforts to secure the freedom of the abducted church members, demonstrating his administration's commitment to addressing security challenges across Nigeria.
In a remarkable show of prioritization, President Tinubu had canceled his scheduled trip to the G20 Meeting in South Africa to focus on the security breaches affecting both Kwara and Kebbi States. This decision underscored the administration's determination to tackle the nation's security concerns head-on.
The presidential intervention included heightened security deployments to Kwara State, with additional tactical teams dispatched to reinforce existing security arrangements. The governor specifically acknowledged the crucial contributions of several security agencies in the rescue operation.
The coordinated efforts involved:
- The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA)
- The Department of State Services (DSS)
- The Nigerian Army
- The Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA)
- The Nigeria Police Force
Church Resumes Services Amid Heavy Security
Meanwhile, Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State held its first service since the tragic attack that occurred last Tuesday. The Sunday worship took place in the same blood-stained auditorium where the violent incident had unfolded just days earlier.
The service proceeded under heavy security presence throughout the church premises and surrounding Eruku community. Journalists observed substantial deployments including soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT units, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police Command, and local vigilante groups.
During the emotional service, church secretary Michael Agbabiaka provided crucial clarifications about the kidnapping incident. He confirmed that exactly 38 persons were abducted, contradicting earlier social media reports that had suggested up to 60 victims.
Agbabiaka explained that the church had initially compiled 35 names of missing members, but during verification exercises, identified three additional non-members who were also taken during the attack. He emphasized the importance of accurate information, stating clearly that three people died during the initial assault, with one victim currently receiving hospital treatment.
The church official also revealed disturbing details about the kidnappers' ransom demands, noting that the abductors had initially demanded N100 million per victim before negotiating down to N20 million per person. Communication with the kidnappers had reportedly broken off on Friday, preceding the successful rescue operation.
Despite the trauma and fear following the attack, church leaders had encouraged members to attend the service as a demonstration of faith and resilience. Officiating pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the incident as a test of faith, revealing that he had received divine assurances about the safety of the kidnapped worshippers.
The governor extended appreciation to various stakeholders including members of the security forces, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident occurred.
