In a development that has brought relief to families and residents of Kwara State, the 38 church members who were abducted from a local worship centre have regained their freedom after several days in captivity. Their release follows intense pressure from security agencies, community vigilance groups, and concerned individuals who rallied to secure their safe return.
The victims, who were attending a night programme at the church located in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, were whisked away by armed men suspected to be bandits. The incident, which occurred late in the evening, sparked widespread fear and condemnation across the state and beyond, with religious bodies and civil society organisations calling for urgent government intervention.
According to security sources, a joint operation involving the police, local hunters, and vigilante operatives was launched immediately after the abduction. The combined forces reportedly combed surrounding forests and hideouts believed to be used by criminal groups. Their efforts, coupled with strategic intelligence gathering, eventually paved the way for the release of all abducted worshippers.
Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer confirmed the development, noting that the victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families. He added that medical personnel were on ground to conduct routine examinations on the freed victims to ensure none had suffered severe distress or injury.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of the local communities and our security partners. This successful rescue is a result of timely information and relentless pursuit,” the spokesperson stated.
Families of the abducted worshippers expressed overwhelming joy as they received their loved ones. Many recounted sleepless nights and the emotional toll of not knowing the fate of their relatives. A family member of one of the rescued victims described the experience as “a nightmare that no family should ever endure,” thanking security operatives for their efforts.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has condemned the attack, reiterating its commitment to strengthening security across the state. In a statement, government officials emphasized that the protection of citizens remains a top priority and promised to support security agencies with logistics, improved intelligence operations, and community-based surveillance initiatives.
“Criminality in any form will not be tolerated. We commend the swift action of our security operatives and vow to intensify efforts to keep every community safe,” the statement read.
Security analysts have warned that the growing trend of attacks on religious centres calls for urgent review of security architecture around worship places, particularly in rural communities. They also urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to authorities.
As the rescued victims begin their recovery from the traumatic episode, calls for improved security, better policing resources, and community collaboration continue to dominate public discourse. For now, the successful rescue of the 38 abducted worshippers stands as a testament to what coordinated efforts and timely intervention can achieve in the face of insecurity.
By: Nwogu Happiness
Nwogu Happiness Wrote From Pan African Institute of Management and Technology.
