The recent release of 38 worshippers kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, has generated mixed reactions across Nigeria. While many celebrated the victims' freedom after five days in captivity, a Nigerian man based in the United Kingdom has sparked serious debate by arguing that Nigerians should be angry rather than celebratory.
The Controversial Release That Raised Questions
On Tuesday, November 18, suspected bandits stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku community during a service and abducted 38 members. The captives spent five harrowing days in the forest before their release was announced on Sunday, November 24 by President Bola Tinubu through his official X page.
While residents of Eruku erupted in jubilation upon hearing the news, the circumstances surrounding the release immediately raised suspicions. The absence of any arrested or eliminated bandits during the rescue operation left many Nigerians questioning what really transpired behind the scenes.
Three Reasons Why This Freedom Is "Fake and Shameful"
Identified on X as @felixherbt, the UK-based Nigerian presented a compelling case against celebrating the worshippers' release. He described the freedom as "fake and shameful" and provided three main arguments supporting his position.
First, the complete absence of arrests during the five-day rescue operation deeply concerns security analysts. "No single bandit was arrested. Five days of rescue operation and nobody is in handcuffs? That means the gunmen are already planning the next attack," he stated.
Second, strong evidence suggests ransom was paid despite official denials. The kidnappers initially demanded billions of naira before reducing their request to hundreds of millions. Multiple sources indicate that money changed hands, meaning the government potentially paid "blood money" while criminals walked away with full pockets.
Third, this pattern keeps repeating across multiple states including Kaduna, Zamfara, and Niger. The cycle of kidnapping, ransom payment, victim release, and enriched bandits continues without interruption. This represents surrender rather than genuine rescue operations.
Public Reaction and Government Accountability
The UK-based man directly challenged both Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq and President Tinubu to provide transparency. He demanded answers to three critical questions: How much ransom was paid? Who paid it? Why isn't a single kidnapper in jail?
Social media reactions revealed divided opinions. While some users questioned whether critics would prefer the victims killed, others acknowledged the ransom reality. User @DotieGreg commented: "My brother they paid the ransom for their release. There was no gun battle between them and the Army so just know it was ransom released."
The incident highlights Nigeria's continuing security challenges, particularly the kidnapping epidemic affecting places of worship, roads, and villages. Until security forces demonstrate the capacity to arrest perpetrators rather than negotiate with them, many fear the cycle of violence will continue unabated.
