Kwara Christains Freed After Church Abduction

Thirty-eight worshippers kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, have regained their freedom after days of search operations.

The release was confirmed on Sunday by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye.

The victims were taken during an attack earlier in the week that left three worshippers dead and sparked widespread concern across the state. Security agencies intensified operations soon after the incident, focusing on the forests around the borders shared with Kogi and Niger, where bandit activity has worsened in recent months.

The governor credited the breakthrough to the direct involvement of President Bola Tinubu, who cancelled his planned trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to coordinate the national response. The president ordered heavy deployments to Kwara and monitored the rescue efforts as they unfolded.

Multiple security formations took part in the operation, including the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, the National Intelligence Agency and tactical units deployed under presidential directive. Local vigilantes also joined the search teams across the rugged terrain.

Community members in Eruku received news of the release from the DSS on Sunday afternoon and began waiting for the return of the freed worshippers. Church officials said families were anxious but hopeful as the victims were being transported back.

The attack, one of the worst mass abductions in Kwara in recent years, triggered national outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection for rural communities. The state government has assured residents that security patrols will continue around vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks.