Kwara State authorities have confirmed the safe release of 38 people who were abducted during a service at a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area. The victims were reunited with their families on Sunday following coordinated efforts by federal and state security agencies, local leaders and community volunteers.
State officials described the operation as a multi-agency effort that combined intelligence gathering, tactical deployments and community engagement. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq credited the intervention of national security apparatuses and said the release followed intensive operations aimed at locating and securing the abductees without further loss of life.
According to the state government, the rescue drew support from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police Force. Community elders and religious leaders played an active role by providing local intelligence and facilitating negotiations with persons in the area.
Officials say the abductors carried out the attack while congregants were gathered for worship, an incident that has renewed concerns about the safety of places of worship in parts of the country. Civil society and faith groups quickly condemned the assault and called for stronger protective measures to prevent similar incidents.
Families of the released worshippers expressed relief and gratitude, describing the emotional toll of the abduction and the uncertain days that followed. Medical teams were said to have screened the freed captives for injuries and trauma; local authorities arranged immediate counselling and support where needed.
While authorities celebrated the breakthrough, they emphasized that investigations will continue to identify and apprehend all those responsible. Law enforcement sources indicate that follow-up operations are planned to dismantle the networks suspected of carrying out the attack and to recover any weapons or camps believed to have been used.
The release has put renewed pressure on state and federal officials to step up preventive security measures. In his statement, the governor urged a durable strategy to protect vulnerable communities and places of worship, calling for sustained intelligence sharing and a visible security presence in high-risk areas.
Security analysts say kidnappings for ransom and violent raids on soft targets remain a major challenge in several regions, requiring not only tactical responses but also long-term community policing, socio-economic interventions and stronger coordination among agencies. Analysts warn that without integrated approaches, temporary gains from rescue operations may not translate into lasting security.
Local leaders and religious associations have also urged the government to fast-track reforms that would improve rural policing — including better funding, training for rapid response units, and community liaison officers who can bridge trust gaps between citizens and law enforcement.
Humanitarian groups monitoring the situation have highlighted the psychosocial needs of survivors and called for comprehensive rehabilitation services. They recommend trauma counselling, medical care and social reintegration support for the freed worshippers and families affected by the incident.
Lawmakers from the area weighed in, promising oversight and follow-up. Some called for emergency security summits and the immediate deployment of additional patrol teams to reassure residents. Others asked for clearer timelines on arrests and prosecutions of the perpetrators.
For now, the priority for officials remains stabilizing the affected community, ensuring victims’ needs are met and ramping up intelligence operations to prevent a recurrence. The successful release of the 38 worshippers has provided a momentary relief for families and the community, but authorities and citizens alike acknowledge that much work remains to secure long-term safety.
Community representatives who received the freed worshippers urged calm while appealing for sustained government action. “We are relieved that our people are back,” one local leader said in a public statement, “but we must redouble efforts to protect our churches and neighbourhoods.”
As investigations proceed, residents and observers will be watching to see whether the rescue leads to arrests, prosecutions and substantive changes in how security is delivered across vulnerable areas. The incident has reopened national conversation about protecting civilians, the responsibilities of security agencies, and practical steps to prevent future attacks on houses of worship and other community gatherings.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the abduction or suspects to contact local police stations or the nearest security agency. Meanwhile, the state government pledged to continue coordinating with federal partners to prevent similar incidents and to strengthen measures that protect lives and places of worship.