Thirty-eight worshippers kidnapped in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been reunited with their families, days after concerns were raised that the government had not physically handed them over despite announcing their rescue.
The victims were abducted on November 18, 2025, during a special thanksgiving service at CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, an attack that left three people dead and another injured by gunfire.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti LGA Chairman, Dada Sunday, confirmed that the victims were officially handed over to the Chairman of Ekiti LGA, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
According to the statement, the handover concluded a joint rescue operation coordinated by federal and state security agencies.
While receiving the freed worshippers, Awelewa expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser, and security agencies for what he described as quick and coordinated action.
He also praised authorities for providing medical support and welfare to the abductees after their rescue, assuring residents that strengthening security across all 10 wards of the LGA remains a top priority.
“We will leave no stone unturned in safeguarding the lives and property of our people,” he said.
The freed victims arrived back in Eruku around 6:30 pm on Tuesday, where they were welcomed by cheering residents, family members, and community leaders.
The Owa of Eruku also commended the rescue efforts and expressed relief that the worshippers had returned home safely.
“Since the day of the attack, the entire community has been anxious. Their safe return has brought us great relief,” he said.
