Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has announced the release of the 38 worshippers who were kidnapped by armed bandits from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. The confirmation, made on Sunday, brought relief to anxious families and residents who had spent days in fear following the abduction.
The worshippers were kidnapped last week while returning from a church programme. The incident shocked the peaceful Eruku community and renewed concerns about rising insecurity across several parts of Nigeria. The attack was similar to many others recorded in recent years, where bandits target travellers, worship centres, schools, and rural communities.
Governor AbdulRazaq said all abducted individuals had regained their freedom and were in safe hands. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said “personally led the efforts” that ensured the successful rescue of the victims. The governor also thanked security agencies and community leaders who played roles in the operation.
The abduction of the Eruku worshippers is part of a wider trend of insecurity seen in many states across the country. Banditry and mass abductions have become common in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, where armed groups operate in forests and remote areas. These groups often kidnap people for ransom and attack communities with little warning.
In Kwara State, incidents of kidnapping are not as frequent as in neighbouring states like Niger or Kogi, but recent attacks have raised fears that criminal groups may be expanding their operations. The kidnapping of 38 church members from a peaceful worship community sent shock waves through the state, prompting calls for stronger security measures.
Residents of Eruku and surrounding towns had been holding prayer sessions and community meetings since the abduction, hoping for the victims’ safe return. Church leaders also worked closely with local authorities throughout the ordeal.
In his statement, Governor AbdulRazaq praised President Tinubu for what he described as his hands-on involvement in the rescue efforts. “We thank Mr President for his direct leadership and support. His commitment helped bring back our people safely,” the governor said.
Nigeria has struggled with rising insecurity for more than a decade. While Boko Haram and ISWAP dominate the North-East, bandits and kidnappers have established strongholds across the North-West and parts of the North-Central region. These groups frequently attack communities, markets, schools, churches, and public roads.
Mass kidnappings of church members are not new in Nigeria. Several states, including Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, and Zamfara, have recorded similar incidents in the past. In many cases, abductees spend weeks or months in captivity as families negotiate ransoms.
Kwara State, though relatively peaceful, shares boundaries with crisis-prone states, making it vulnerable to attacks by travelling bandit groups. The Eruku kidnapping has increased pressure on the state government to tighten security checkpoints along border communities.
The news of the victims’ release sparked celebrations in Eruku and neighbouring communities. Family members who had spent days worrying about loved ones expressed joy and relief. Many gathered at the church premises on Sunday evening for thanksgiving prayers.
Governor AbdulRazaq assured the public that the Kwara government would continue working with security agencies and the federal government to improve safety across the state.
