All 38 Abducted Kwara Worshippers Rescued by Security Forces

All Abducted Worshippers Freed in Kwara State

All 38 worshippers who were abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, have been successfully rescued. The rescue operation concluded on Sunday, November 23, 2025, bringing an end to a five-day ordeal that began with their abduction during an evening service.

Details of the Abduction and Casualties

The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, when armed individuals, identified as bandits, stormed the church during a prayer service. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers fired shots, leading to chaos. During the attack, three worshippers died, and one sustained injuries, requiring hospitalization. The church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, confirmed that 38 individuals were taken captive, clarifying earlier rumors of a higher number. The abductors reportedly demanded a ransom, initially asking for N100 million per victim, which was later negotiated down to N20 million before communication ceased.

Coordinated Rescue Operation

The successful rescue was the result of a coordinated effort by various security agencies and government representatives. President Bola Tinubu announced the rescue, stating that he had been 'closely monitoring the security situation nationwide' and had cancelled a scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to coordinate national security efforts. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the release, attributing the breakthrough to President Tinubu's 'hands-on approach' and directives for heightened security deployments. Agencies involved included the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Police Force, which deployed four new tactical teams to the state.

Aftermath and Broader Security Concerns

Following the attack, the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, held its first service on Sunday, November 23, 2025, five days after the abduction. Despite the trauma, church leaders, including presiding pastor Bamidele Lawrence, encouraged members to attend as a show of faith and resilience. The incident has underscored concerns about rising insecurity and expanding criminal networks operating across Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States. Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to all security operatives, community leaders, religious bodies, and residents for their support during the ordeal.