38 Church Worshippers Rescued And Reunited With Families In Ekiti LGA, Kwara
Thirty-eight church worshippers abducted in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been safely returned to their families following a successful rescue operation. The worshippers were kidnapped on November 18, 2025, during a special thanksgiving service at CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku. The attack resulted in the deaths of three people, while another sustained gunshot injuries. In a statement on Tuesday night, Dada Sunday, Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti LGA Chairman, confirmed that the rescued worshippers were formally handed over to Chairman Awelewa Olawale Gabriel in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The operation involved a joint effort by federal and state security agencies. Awelewa, speaking as he received the victims, thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser, and all security agencies for their swift intervention. “We are grateful for the comprehensive medical care and support provided to the abductees after their rescue,” he said, assuring residents that the administration would continue to prioritise security across all wards of Ekiti LGA. “We will leave no stone unturned in protecting lives and property through a robust security network.” The worshippers arrived in Eruku around 6:30 pm on Tuesday, greeted by jubilant relatives and community members. The Owa of Eruku also praised the coordinated rescue efforts, thanking government officials and security agencies for ensuring the safe return of the victims. The abduction highlights the ongoing security challenges in Kwara’s border communities, particularly in Ekiti LGA, which has faced multiple incidents of kidnappings in recent years.