Gov. Abdulrazaq Receives 38 Rescued Victims of Kwara Church Abduction

The attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku left three people dead and 38 worshippers abducted.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has received 38 worshippers who were rescued after gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were taken to the Government House Clinic after their release, where they received medical attention and other support from the state government.

Governor AbdulRazaq visited the victims and assessed their condition following their release.

The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in efforts to secure the freedom of the worshippers. He also commended security agencies and other officials involved in the operation.

The governor said the release of the worshippers was not yet a reason for celebration because other Nigerians remained in captivity in different parts of the country.

The Kwara State Government announced the release of the 38 worshippers on Sunday, but did not disclose how they regained their freedom.

The Church Attack

Gunmen attacked the church during a service on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others.

Eyewitnesses told Channels Television that the attackers arrived heavily armed and that many residents fled into nearby bushes during the attack.

Reports cited by Channels Television said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦3 billion for the release of the victims before reducing the demand to ₦760 million.

The attack triggered protests by youths in Eruku, who expressed anger over the incident and the response to the abduction.

President Tinubu subsequently postponed planned trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to receive security briefings on the Kwara church attack and other abductions. He also directed the police to pursue the attackers.

Before the announcement of the victims’ release, the church held its first service since the attack.

Church Secretary Michael Agbabiaka confirmed that 38 people had been abducted and said church members were encouraged to return for the service despite the fear and trauma caused by the attack.

Presiding Pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the incident as a test of faith and told worshippers that he believed the abducted victims would return safely. He compared the ordeal to the biblical trials of the Israelites.

Source: Channels Television