The 38 worshippers kidnapped from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, have finally been reunited with their families, ending a harrowing ordeal that began on November 18, 2025.
The victims, who were abducted during a special thanksgiving service in Ekiti Local Government Area, were officially handed over to the Chairman of Ekiti LGA, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The release comes days after initial reports indicated the worshippers had not yet been freed, despite earlier announcements of their rescue by government officials.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Local Government Chairman, Dada Sunday, confirmed the release and detailed the handover ceremony. Chairman Gabriel expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser, and all security agencies involved in what he called a “swift and decisive intervention.”
“We appreciate the comprehensive medical care and provisions given to the abductees after their rescue,” Gabriel stated, while reassuring residents of Ekiti LGA that his administration would continue to prioritise security across all ten wards.
The attack on the church had left three worshippers dead and another injured by gunshot, drawing widespread condemnation and raising concerns about security in rural communities.
