38 abducted church worshippers reunite with families

Thirty-eight church worshippers abducted in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have finally returned to their families, days after reports indicated delays in their release despite official announcements of their rescue .

The worshippers were kidnapped on November 18, 2025, during a special thanksgiving service at CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, in an attack that left three people dead and another injured by gunfire.

In a statement issued Tuesday night, Dada Sunday, Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti LGA Chairman, confirmed that the freed worshippers were formally handed over to Chairman Awelewa Olawale Gabriel in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The handover capped a coordinated rescue operation involving both federal and state security agencies.

Receiving the abductees, Awelewa thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser, and all security personnel for their swift intervention.

“We appreciate the comprehensive medical care and provisions given to the abductees after their rescue,” he said, assuring residents that his administration would continue to prioritise security across all 10 wards. “We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the lives and property of our people are protected through a robust security network.”

The worshippers arrived in Eruku around 6:30 pm Tuesday, greeted by jubilant relatives and community members. The Owa of Eruku also praised the joint rescue efforts, expressing gratitude to the President, the Governor, and security agencies for the safe return of the victims.

The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Kwara’s border communities, particularly in Ekiti LGA, which has experienced multiple abduction cases in recent years.