The Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, held its first service on Sunday, five days after a brutal bandit attack that left three worshippers dead and dozens abducted.
The Kwara State Government has confirmed that all 38 worshippers kidnapped during the assault on the church have regained their freedom.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the development in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Sunday.
While the statement did not reveal the exact circumstances surrounding the release of the abductees, it highlighted the extensive efforts that went into securing their freedom.
“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is delighted to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in the attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State,” the statement read in part.
The state government attributed the successful operation to what it described as the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stated that the President “personally led the efforts” that resulted in the rescue.
According to the statement, President Tinubu cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 Meeting in South Africa in order to address the security breaches in both Kwara and Kebbi States.
Also, he subsequently ordered heightened security deployment to Kwara, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to the protection of citizens.
Governor AbdulRazaq extended appreciation 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 collaborative role in the rescue mission.
He also thanked community leaders, religious institutions, and residents of Kwara State for their support and solidarity throughout the ordeal.
“The governor acknowledges the cooperation and goodwill of thought leaders, religious bodies, and all Kwarans since the unfortunate incident,” the statement added.
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The successful rescue brings relief to the Eruku community, which had been thrown into mourning following the deadly attack.
