The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, on Sunday received the 38 rescued victims of the attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igan, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, looking visibly exhausted and distressed, were taken to the Government House Clinic in Ilorin, where medical personnel attended to them. Some were provided with drugs, food, and water, while the weaker ones were moved inside the hospital for further treatment.
One of the victims described their ordeal in captivity as harrowing, saying it was extremely difficult to escape the grip of the armed bandits who abducted them during the violent attack on Tuesday.
A pastor from the church expressed gratitude to both the federal and state governments for ensuring the safe return of the worshippers.
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Governor Abdulrazaq, who interacted with several of the victims and assessed the condition of those under medical care, said their release was “not yet a moment for celebration,” noting that many other Nigerians remain in captivity across different states.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention and efforts that contributed to securing the release of the abducted worshippers.
Grassroots Parrot earlier reports the release of the 38 victims according to a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, though it did not provide details on how the rescue operation was carried out.
The attackers, who stormed the church service last Tuesday, killed three worshippers and whisked away 38 others.
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The bandits initially demanded a ransom of ₦3 billion, which they later reduced to ₦760 million, sparking widespread outrage and a protest by angry youths in the community.
Before news of the victims’ release broke, the church held its first Sunday service since the attack. Church Secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, said leaders encouraged members to attend despite trauma and fear, emphasizing resilience and solidarity.
In his sermon, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the ordeal as a test of faith, assuring the congregation that God had promised the safe return of the abducted members, likening the church’s experience to the biblical trials of the Israelites.