Thirty-eight worshippers abducted during an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, have been freed, with Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq receiving them in Ilorin on Sunday.
The victims, most of whom appeared frail and exhausted, were taken to the Government House clinic, where medical personnel provided treatment, food, water and support for those too weak to stand.
One of the survivors described their days in captivity as “harrowing,” saying escape had seemed impossible under the tight control of the armed men.
A pastor of the church thanked both the federal and state governments for securing the release of the worshippers.
During his visit to the clinic, Governor Abdulrazaq spoke with several of the freed captives and inspected those still receiving medical attention.
He said the development was welcome but “not yet a moment for celebration,” noting that other Nigerians remained in captivity in different parts of the country.
The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention, which he said contributed greatly to the safe return of the victims.
In an earlier statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the state government confirmed the release of the 38 abductees but did not disclose how they were freed.
Gunmen had attacked the church last Tuesday, killing three people and abducting the worshippers during a service.
Residents disclosed that the attackers arrived “suddenly and heavily armed,” prompting widespread panic and forcing many to flee into surrounding bushes.
The bandits initially demanded N3 billion for the hostages' release before lowering the ransom to N760 million.
The assault triggered protests by angry youths in the community.
In response to the incident, President Tinubu postponed official trips to Johannesburg and Luanda, awaiting further security briefings on the Kwara attack and the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
He also directed security agencies to pursue the perpetrators.
Before the release was announced, the church conducted its first Sunday service since the attack.
Church Secretary Michael Agbabiaka said leaders encouraged members to attend despite the prevailing fear.
In his sermon, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the ordeal as a test of faith, telling worshippers that God had promised the captives would return alive, drawing parallels to the trials of the Israelites.
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