BREAKING NEWS: KWARA GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF 38 ABDUCTED WORSHIPPERS FROM ERUKU CHURCH ATTACK IN KWARA

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has confirmed the release of the 38 persons who were recently abducted during a violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.

The abducted worshippers regained their freedom on Sunday, November 23, following several days of intense, coordinated operations led by Nigeria’s security agencies and supported by state authorities.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq attributed the successful rescue to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, whom he commended for taking personal charge of the situation.

According to the statement, 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.”

It added that Tinubu “had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.”

“The abductees were freed today, November 23,” the statement confirmed.

Governor AbdulRazaq expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Tinubu, saying the successful release “is wholly due to his direct initiative.”

He further extended gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police Force, which deployed four new tactical teams to the state under the President’s directive.

He also thanked religious institutions, community leaders, and residents of Kwara State for their solidarity and prayers throughout the ordeal.

The release of the abductees has brought significant relief to the traumatised Eruku community, which had been thrown into mourning and fear following the November 18 attack. During the assault, ten armed men invaded the church during an evening service, shooting sporadically. Thirty-eight worshippers were abducted, while several others, including the pastor were killed.

Earlier reports indicated that worship had resumed at the church despite the tragic incident. A viral video obtained by SaharaReporters from the Sunday service showed the preacher consoling the congregation with words of faith and resilience.

He said, “As a Christian, you must not fear death. Jesus has promised you eternal life. He has promised eternal life to us.

“Don’t let us fear death. Anywhere death comes to you, make sure you do not curse Jesus. If you don’t curse Jesus, the promise is for you that Jesus will take you to a place of peace. This world will end but the life Jesus has promised us has no end. It is forever. He said we should not allow our hearts to be troubled.

“I want you to take comfort in knowing that they (our fellow worshippers) died at the feet of Jesus. They died a righteous death. Anyone who is killed for the gospel of Jesus Christ dies as a witness for Christ.

“And it is in the bible that God will avenge the deaths of the witnesses for Christ. Their blood will cry for justice. Those evil people (terrorists), watch out, God’s judgment will come upon them. The bible tells us that death is the path to life.”

The video also captured a police van and armed officers stationed outside the church, providing heightened security to prevent further attacks.

The attack has once again ignited global debate on religious violence in Nigeria. While advocacy groups and some U.S. politicians insist Christians face systematic persecution, Nigerian authorities and several analysts argue that the violence spans across religions, affecting both Christians and Muslims.

The conversation intensified after former U.S. President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged religious freedom violations, a move welcomed by some religious bodies but strongly rejected by Nigerian officials.

For now, the safe return of the abducted worshippers offers a moment of relief amid rising security concerns, while investigations and discussions surrounding the broader implications of such attacks continue nationwide.