38 abducted Kwara worshippers reunite with families

Jubilant residents of Eruku trooped out to welcome the 38 freed worshippers who returned to the town Tuesday evening: Credit: Kwara Govt

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The 38 church worshippers earlier abducted by gunmen in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have finally reunited with their families, days after PUNCH Online reported that government officials had yet to release them despite announcing their rescue.

PUNCH Online reports that the worshippers were abducted on November 18, 2025, during a special thanksgiving service at the CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, an attack in which three persons were killed and another sustained gunshot injuries.

In a statement issued Tuesday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti Local Government Council Chairman, Dada Sunday, confirmed that the freed abductees were formally handed over to the Chairman of Ekiti LGA, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to the statement, the handover marked the end of a coordinated rescue operation involving federal and state security agencies.

Awelewa, while receiving the victims, thanked President Bola Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser, and all security agencies for what he described as a swift and decisive intervention.

“We appreciate the comprehensive medical care and provisions given to the abductees after their rescue,” he said, assuring residents of Ekiti LGA 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”, he added.

The abductees, according to the statement, arrived in Eruku at about 6:30 pm on Tuesday, where they were welcomed by jubilant relatives and community members.

Also speaking, the Owa of Eruku lauded the joint rescue efforts, thanking President Tinubu, AbdulRazaq and the security agencies for ensuring the safe return of the worshippers.

“Their reunion has brought relief to the community. Since the day of the attack, we have not had rest of mind.

The incident underscores the rising security challenges in Kwara’s border communities, particularly in Ekiti LGA, which has recorded multiple cases of abductions in recent years.

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