Several days after their safe return from captivity, the 38 abducted members of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State have yet to be reunited with their families—leaving relatives anxious and emotionally strained.
The worshippers were kidnapped on November 18 during a special thanksgiving service in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area. Three people were killed and one injured during the attack. Their release was announced on Sunday by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
While the government has not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the victims’ freedom, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, insisted that no ransom was paid and that negotiations—not payments—secured their release.
Despite undergoing government-sponsored medical checkups, multiple sources told Chronicle Reporters that the worshippers remain housed in an undisclosed hotel in Ilorin, leaving their families in Eruku increasingly worried.
One family member, who asked not to be named, described the wait as agonising.
“We celebrated when we heard they had been released, but since that day, they have not arrived in Eruku. We miss them and want them back home,” he said.
Another relative said inconsistent information about the victims’ location had fuelled further fears.
“We only saw them in the news and spoke with them on the phone. They said they were safe, but seeing them again will gladden our hearts,” she added.
Community sources dismissed rumours that families contributed money for the release, insisting security officials had simply informed them that the victims had been freed and taken for medical evaluation at Government House.
A senior government official confirmed that the victims were still receiving medical and psychological care.
“They went through trauma, especially the young ones and the elderly. The government wants to give them the best care before returning them home,” the source said, reiterating that no ransom was paid.
Residents of Eruku, while expressing gratitude for the state’s intervention, said they were eager for the worshippers to return so that the community could begin its full healing process.