Kwara Secures Release of 38 Abducted Worshippers After Presidential Intervention
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed the release of the 38 worshippers abducted during last Tuesday’s attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. The development follows days of intense rescue operations coordinated by federal authorities and security agencies.
Federal Backing Leads to Breakthrough
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the successful rescue was driven by a highly coordinated security response activated at the federal level.
The statement, which Akahi News learnt was released on Sunday, quoted the governor as saying that the freedom of the abductees was made possible through the direct involvement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) 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 statement read.
Governor AbdulRazaq further emphasised that the rescue “is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who personally led the efforts to free the abductees.”
Akahi News gathered that the victims regained their freedom on Saturday, 23 November.
Tinubu’s Cancelled G20 Trip Highlighted
The governor also referenced the President’s decision to cancel his scheduled journey to the G20 meeting in South Africa in order to personally oversee heightened security responses in Kwara and Kebbi States.
“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,” the statement continued.
It added that President Tinubu had ordered immediate reinforcement of security deployments across the troubled areas, reinforcing his commitment to safeguarding the lives of citizens.
This revelation aligns with recent national concerns about the rising frequency of armed attacks along the Kwara–Kogi–Niger border axis, a region that Akahi News has consistently reported as a hotspot for bandit incursions.
Security Agencies Commended for Swift Action
Governor AbdulRazaq extended gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police Force. According to him, the four newly deployed tactical police teams—approved at the President’s directive—played a crucial role in the coordinated rescue.
He also acknowledged local vigilantes whose involvement complemented federal operations.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of CAC Oke Isegun, Michael Agbabiaka, confirmed the rescue to PUNCH Online. Speaking with journalists, he revealed that the DSS contacted community leaders around 4 pm to notify them of the release.
“Yes, they called us that the abductees have been freed,” he said.
“We are waiting for them to be brought back to the community. Our people are eager to see them alive and safe.”
Background to the Abduction
The attack, which occurred during a church programme on Tuesday, left three worshippers dead and 38 others kidnapped. It sparked widespread outrage across the nation, prompting urgent calls for intensified security intervention.
Akahi News learnt that the rescue effort involved a mix of military units, DSS operatives, the Special Tactical Squad, SWAT personnel, anti-kidnapping experts, and community vigilantes. The large-scale combing operation culminated in the safe recovery of all abducted persons.
The successful rescue of the worshippers marks a major relief for the people of Kwara and an important signal of improved federal–state security cooperation. As the victims reunite with their families, stakeholders continue to call for renewed efforts to secure Nigeria’s rural communities from bandit incursions.
For more verified updates on security developments and national affairs, visit Akahi News.
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