Kwara Church Abduction: Freed Victim Says Kidnappers Run Fully Dominated Enclave
One of the church members abducted during last week’s attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, has revealed that the kidnappers operate from a fully controlled enclave and possess extensive knowledge of bush routes across several states.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday after regaining freedom, the victim recounted the terrifying moment heavily armed men stormed the church during an evening programme.
“About 30 minutes into the programme, after everybody had settled, I suddenly heard gunshots,” he said. “At first, I didn’t even recognise it. I thought it was just the sound of an electrical wire sparking. But within moments, they had surrounded the whole church.”
He added that worshippers were thrown into confusion as some began to notice drops of blood on the floor during the chaos of the attack.
The abducted members were taken deep into the forest, where the victim said they discovered that the attackers were operating in territory they had fully taken over.
“When we got there, we didn’t know it was a dominated area,” he said. “It was unimaginable. They boldly told us they are bandits and that nobody escapes from that place without being caught.”
According to him, the kidnappers openly bragged about their control and familiarity with the terrain.
“From that place they have dominated, they know all the roads surrounding those bushes in Kwara and other states,” he said, stressing that the gang’s mobility and knowledge of forest routes make them particularly dangerous.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State had previously announced the release of 38 persons abducted in the attack. The freed abductees regained their freedom on Sunday, November 23, following coordinated efforts by security forces and government representatives.
Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the successful rescue was due to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, who reportedly called off his scheduled G20 trip to South Africa to attend to the incidents in Kwara and Kebbi States.
READ ALSO
•38 Abducted Kwara Church Worshippers Regain Freedom – Govt
•Lamido Alleges PDP Governors Blocked His Chairmanship Bid
“He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, underlining his commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians,” the statement said.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, saying the release “is wholly due to his direct initiative.”
He also thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four new tactical teams to the state under the President’s directive.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
