On 23 November 2025, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced that 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, have been freed after being abducted by suspected bandits.
The abducted congregants were taken during a thanksgiving service earlier in the week, an attack that left three people dead and several others injured.
Governor AbdulRazaq credited the successful rescue to the “hands‑on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, who personally coordinated efforts. Authorities involved included the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Intelligence Agency, the police, and other security agencies.
The freed victims were taken to the Kwara Government House, where they received medical attention and were met by the governor. Those who survived described the ordeal as traumatic, recounting how they were marched into a forest and warned not to try to escape.
During a solemn first service back at the church building (still stained from the attack), the church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, clarified that 38 people were kidnapped, correcting earlier inflated reports. He also revealed that the ransom demand had initially been ₦100 million per person, later reduced to ₦20 million per victim.
Pastor Bamidele Lawrence, speaking during the service, described the attack as a “test of faith,” saying he received a divine assurance of their safe return.
President Tinubu, via his social media team, confirmed that all 38 had been rescued. In the same update, he reaffirmed his commitment to securing the nation and protecting its citizens.
