Thirty-eight abducted worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom after days of intense search and rescue operations.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye. The victims, kidnapped during a violent attack on November 18, were released following what the governor described as a coordinated multi-agency intervention.
According to the statement, Governor AbdulRazaq attributed the successful rescue to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, who reportedly halted a scheduled trip to the G20 Summit to address the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. The President also ordered increased deployments to Kwara under emergency directives.
The governor expressed profound gratitude to the President, describing the release as “wholly due to his direct initiative.” He also acknowledged the efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four additional tactical teams to the state during the operation.
Religious leaders, community figures, and residents of Kwara State were also praised for their prayers, solidarity, and support throughout the ordeal.
The attack on the church last week, carried out by ten armed assailants during an evening service, left several worshippers dead—including the pastor—and 38 others abducted. The incident drew national outrage and renewed debate over religious-targeted violence in Nigeria.
A viral video from Sunday’s resumed service at the church showed the preacher urging members not to fear death, calling the slain worshippers “witnesses for Christ,” and declaring that divine judgment would befall the attackers. Police officers and a patrol van were visibly stationed at the church premises to reinforce security.
The attack also revived the contentious national and international debate on religious persecution in Nigeria. Advocacy groups and some U.S. lawmakers argue that Christians are disproportionately targeted, while Nigerian authorities maintain that insecurity affects both Christians and Muslims. The issue escalated further after former U.S. President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a move welcomed by some religious bodies but dismissed by Nigerian officials.
The release of the abducted worshippers brings significant relief to the Eruku community, though concerns remain high as Nigeria continues to battle deepening insecurity across regions.