Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has announced the safe release of all 38 persons recently abducted during a worship session at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The victims regained their freedom on Sunday, November 23, after intense multi-agency security operations coordinated at the highest levels of government.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said in a statement on Sunday that Governor AbdulRazaq attributed the successful rescue operation to what he described as the “hands-on, decisive, and personal” intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the Governor, President Tinubu not only supervised the rescue efforts directly, but also made significant sacrifices, including cancelling his planned attendance at the G20 meeting in South Africa to respond to the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states.
“The freedom of our 38 citizens is wholly due to the President’s hands-on approach,” Governor AbdulRazaq said.
“His direct involvement and unwavering commitment to the safety of Nigerians ensured this positive outcome. We owe him immense gratitude.”
He added that the President had ordered heightened security deployment across affected communities, a directive that immediately brought four additional tactical police teams into Kwara, alongside reinforcements from other agencies.
The Governor commended the coordinated efforts of national and state security institutions, 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.
He also appreciated the contributions of community leaders, religious institutions, and residents whose cooperation and prayers helped sustain the rescue mission.
AbdulRazaq said the incident, though unfortunate, has further strengthened the state government’s collaboration with federal authorities to improve intelligence gathering, forest surveillance, and rapid response capabilities.
The Governor assured citizens that the administration will continue to work closely with the President and the nation’s security architecture to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of all Kwarans.
