The Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, held its first service on Sunday, five days after a brutal attack by bandits that resulted in the deaths of three worshippers and the abduction of dozens more.
The Kwara State Government has announced the release of the 38 churchgoers who were taken by bandits from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, confirmed that the worshippers were released on Sunday.
However, the statement did not provide details on how the abductees regained their freedom.
“After many days of diligent efforts by security forces and government representatives, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is pleased to announce the release of 38 individuals who were recently abducted during an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State,” it read in part.
The state government credited the successful rescue of the victims to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, who was said to have “personally led the efforts” to secure their release.
“The governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu for his direct involvement that made this possible.
“The President had cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 Meeting in South Africa to address the issues in Kwara and Kebbi states.
“He also directed increased security deployments to Kwara, underscoring his firm commitment to the safety and well-being of our people and all Nigerians,” the statement revealed.
Governor AbdulRazaq also expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police for their contributions.
“The governor further thanked members of the security forces, thought leaders, religious organisations, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill following this unfortunate incident,” the statement continued.
**Deadly Attack**
Gunmen launched an attack on the parish last Tuesday, abducting 38 worshippers and killing three individuals during a church service.
Eyewitnesses in the community informed Channels Television that the attackers arrived “suddenly and heavily armed,” causing many residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
“They came around nightfall and began shooting. Two people were killed instantly, and we don’t even know how many were taken,” one resident recounted.
The bandits initially demanded a ransom of ₦3 billion for the release of the victims, which they later reduced to ₦760 million.
**Protest**
Outraged by the attack, youths in the community staged a protest. The demonstrators blocked the Ilorin–Kabba highway at the entrance to the town, causing significant traffic disruption, alleging that last Tuesday’s attack, which lasted nearly an hour, occurred without any response from security personnel stationed in the area.
In response to the attack and others, President Tinubu postponed his planned trips to Johannesburg in South Africa and Luanda, Angola, as he awaited further security briefings regarding the kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi and the attack on the churchgoers.
He also instructed the police to pursue the bandits responsible for the attack.
**First Service**
The church held its first service on Sunday, during which it clarified the actual number of victims abducted.
The Church Secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, stated that despite the fear and trauma, church leaders encouraged members to attend the service as a demonstration of faith and resilience.
“As you can see, only a few people are present, but we thank God for life and for giving us strength.
“We also appreciate the government for deploying security personnel who are now patrolling the town and the church,” he added.
In his sermon, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the incident as a test of faith and assured the congregation that God had promised the safe return of the abducted worshippers, likening their ordeal to the biblical trials faced by the Israelites.