Cynthia Ezegwu
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday announced the release of 38 persons who were abducted during an attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the victims regained freedom following days of coordinated efforts by security agencies and government officials.
According to the statement, the successful rescue was largely driven by the direct intervention of President Bola Tinubu, who personally oversaw the security response. It noted that the President had cancelled his scheduled trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to focus on security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states.
“The governor says this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who has personally led the efforts to free the abductees. The abductees were freed today, November 23,” the statement said.
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AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the President, describing his involvement as instrumental to the outcome. He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police Force, which deployed four new tactical teams to the state on the President’s directive.
The governor further acknowledged the contributions of other stakeholders who supported the operation.
The release of the abducted worshippers has brought relief to their families and the Eruku community, highlighting renewed collaboration between federal and state authorities in addressing insecurity in Kwara State.