AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Thirty-eight worshippers abducted during a recent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced their release in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is delighted to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were abducted in the attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku,” the statement read.
Governor AbdulRazaq attributed the successful rescue operation to the direct intervention of President Bola Tinubu, commending the President for personally leading efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“The governor says this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who personally led the efforts to free the abductees. The victims were freed today, November 23,” the statement noted.
According to the governor, President Tinubu had earlier suspended his scheduled trip to the G20 meeting in South Africa to focus on addressing the security breaches in both Kwara and Kebbi states.
“The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. He also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, underscoring his firm commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians,” the statement added.
Governor AbdulRazaq also expressed profound appreciation to the various federal security agencies and local forces involved in the rescue operation.
“The governor also expresses appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; the Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and, of course, the Nigeria Police, which has deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President,” it said.
He further extended gratitude to other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
