The 38 members of a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, who were abducted by gunmen on November 25 while holding a thanksgiving service, have finally returned home.
The victims, who spent over a week receiving medical attention and debriefing in Ilorin, were formally handed over to the Executive Chairman of Ekiti Local Council, Mr. Gabriel Awelewa, on Tuesday by security operatives.
They arrived in Eruku around 6:30 p.m. amid emotional scenes of jubilation, tears, hugs, and songs of praise as family members and the community welcomed them back.
In a statement, Council Chairman Awelewa expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser, and all security agencies for the swift and coordinated operation that led to the safe rescue of all 38 victims without ransom payment.
He assured residents that his administration remains committed to strengthening security across the 10 wards of the local government.
The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olanrewaju, described the safe return of the worshippers as “an answered prayer and a huge relief to the entire community,” while thanking all levels of government and security forces involved.
The rescue operation was a joint effort involving the Federal Government, Kwara State Government, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
During the November 25 attack, three worshippers were killed and six others, including a local vigilante member, sustained injuries.
The assault was captured on the church’s livestream camera, footage that shocked viewers nationwide and beyond.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on Christian communities in vulnerable areas.
In a statement last Thursday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the assault on peaceful worshippers as “heartbreaking” and renewed calls for decisive action to protect religious gatherings and halt the growing insecurity affecting faith-based communities across the country.
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