Joy has swept through Kwara State as all 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, have been released and reunited with their families.

The week-long ordeal came to an end on Sunday, as Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that the victims had been safely recovered. They were abducted during last week’s attack on the church, but a large, coordinated rescue operation has now brought them to safety.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor credited the breakthrough to “days of coordinated efforts by security agencies and federal authorities.” The successful operation followed an earlier directive by President Bola Tinubu for an increased security presence and the deployment of additional tactical teams to address the heightened insecurity in Kwara and Kebbi states.

Governor AbdulRazaq extended his deep appreciation to all the federal security apparatus involved, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Police Force.

While the Governor celebrated the good news, security agencies have yet to disclose the specifics of the release, including details on how the victims were freed or whether any arrests of the perpetrators were made. Regardless, community leaders and residents were also lauded for their unwavering support during the tense period. The focus now shifts to ensuring the full recovery and rehabilitation of the freed worshippers.