The 38 church worshippers abducted last Tuesday in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have reunited with their families after spending more than a week in Ilorin receiving medical treatment.
Gatekeepers News reports that their release followed a coordinated rescue operation involving the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). All 38 victims were formally handed over on Tuesday to the Executive Chairman of Ekiti Local Council, Mr. Gabriel Awelewa, in Ilorin.
The worshippers arrived back in Eruku at about 6:30 p.m., where an emotional crowd of relatives and community members welcomed them with cheers, tears, and songs of gratitude.
In a statement, Chief Press Secretary to the council chairman, Prince Dada Sunday, quoted Awelewa expressing deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser, and all security agencies for the swift response that led to the rescue. He also praised the medical care provided to the victims and assured residents that his administration would continue strengthening security across the council’s 10 wards.
The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olanrewaju, also hailed the safe return of the abducted worshippers, describing it as “a huge relief” and thanking all authorities involved in the rescue effort.
The reunion has restored hope across the community and underscored the impact of coordinated security interventions in combating criminal activity in the region.
Reports indicate that the victims were abducted while holding a thanksgiving service for other church members recently freed by bandits. During the attack, three people were killed, while six others—including a local vigilante member—sustained injuries.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the attack on the CAC church as part of a disturbing pattern of ongoing assaults on Christian communities in vulnerable areas. The association said it has repeatedly raised concerns with government authorities and the international community.
In a statement last Thursday in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed sadness over the violent attack in Kwara, where worshippers were killed and several others abducted during a prayer service. He noted that the incident, captured on the church’s livestream camera, has shocked viewers around the world and intensified calls for decisive action.
Okoh said the assault on peaceful citizens gathered for worship is a “heartbreaking reminder of the increasing insecurity faced by Christian communities across the country.”
