Kwara: 38 abducted churchgoers regain freedom
Thirty-eight abducted worshippers of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom following days of coordinated security operations and high-level government intervention.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the development on Sunday, attributing the successful rescue to what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s “hands-on approach” to the incident.
The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, and made available to newsrooms on November 23, 2025.
According to press statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kwara State, issued on Sunday, the abductees — seized during an attack on the church earlier this month — were released on Sunday after intensified operations led by national security agencies acting on presidential directives.
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Governor AbdulRazaq said the breakthrough was “wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR,” who he said personally led efforts from the onset of the crisis. The statement also revealed that President Tinubu cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa in order to focus on the security breaches recorded in both Kwara and Kebbi States.
The governor noted that the President had ordered heightened security deployments across Kwara, including the dispatch of four new tactical police teams, demonstrating what he called a “firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians.”
AbdulRazaq extended appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Police Force for their roles in securing the release. He also acknowledged the support of traditional rulers, religious institutions, community leaders and residents who stood with the state during the ordeal.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kwara State, I express immense gratitude to Mr. President for the direct initiative that made this happen,” the governor said, according to the statement signed by Ajakaye.
The governor further commended the security personnel involved in the operation and thanked Kwarans for their patience, prayers, and solidarity throughout the incident.
By PRNigeria
