Kwara Governor Receives 38 Rescued CAC Worshippers

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, on Sunday received the 38 worshippers abducted during last week’s attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.

The freed victims were brought to the Government House clinic, where they were immediately attended to by medical personnel. Many appeared exhausted, weak, and visibly shaken.

Some received drugs, water, and food, while the frail among them were taken inside the clinic for further treatment.

One of the victims described their days in captivity as “harrowing,” saying it was extremely difficult to escape the grip of the heavily armed bandits.

A pastor of the church expressed appreciation to both the federal and state governments for securing the release of the abducted members.

He said the church remained thankful that the worshippers returned alive after several days of fear and uncertainty.

Governor Abdulrazaq, who interacted with some of the victims and assessed the condition of those being treated inside the clinic, said the development should not yet be seen as a moment of celebration.

He said, “The release of these victims gladdens our hearts, but this is not yet a time for celebration. There are still other Nigerians in captivity in different parts of the country.”

The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s efforts in securing the release of the captives.

State Government Confirms Release, Silent On Rescue Details

Earlier, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the state government confirmed the release of the 38 worshippers, without disclosing how they regained their freedom.

Gunmen had attacked the CAC parish during a service last Tuesday, killing three people and abducting 38 worshippers.

The attackers stormed the community “suddenly and heavily armed,” forcing residents to flee into the surrounding bushes.

The bandits initially demanded ₦3 billion for the release of the victims before later reducing the ransom to ₦760 million.

The attack triggered an angry protest by youths in the community, who called for urgent government intervention.

Tinubu Postpones Foreign Trips, Orders Security Clampdown

In reaction to the incident and the ongoing search for kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State, President Tinubu postponed his planned trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola.

He also ordered security agencies to pursue the attackers and intensify rescue efforts.

Before the release was publicly announced, the church held its first service on Sunday.

Clarifying the actual number of abducted victims, the Church Secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, said church leaders encouraged members to attend despite the trauma, describing the service as an act of faith and resilience.

In his sermon, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the incident as a “test of faith,” telling worshippers that God had promised the captives would return alive, likening their ordeal to the biblical trials of the Israelites.