Thirty-eight abducted worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom after days in captivity.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the development on Sunday, praising President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a decisive and hands-on intervention that led to the successful rescue.
According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the abductees were released on November 23 following a coordinated effort by federal and state security agencies.
Governor AbdulRazaq said the breakthrough was “wholly due to the hands-on approach” of President Tinubu, who personally supervised efforts to free the victims. He recalled that the president cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to focus on security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states.
The governor noted that Tinubu also ordered increased security deployments to Kwara, including the dispatch of four new tactical police teams to reinforce operations in the state.
AbdulRazaq expressed 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 for their roles in securing the abductees’ release.
He also thanked community leaders, religious institutions, and residents of Kwara State for their support since the incident occurred.
Further details on the rescue operation and the condition of the freed victims are expected to emerge as authorities continue their investigations.
