Thirty-eight worshippers kidnapped in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have rejoined their families, days after authorities confirmed their rescue.
The victims were abducted on 18 November during a thanksgiving service at CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku—an attack that claimed three lives and left one person injured.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Dada Sunday, Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti LGA Chairman, revealed that the rescued victims were officially handed over to Chairman Awelewa Olawale Gabriel in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
He described the handover as the final phase of a coordinated rescue effort carried out by federal and state security agencies.
Chairman Awelewa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser, and all security operatives involved in the mission, praising their prompt response.
He also acknowledged the medical treatment provided to the victims and assured residents that security across all 10 wards of the LGA would be strengthened.
The freed worshippers arrived in Eruku at about 6:30pm on Tuesday, where emotional scenes played out as relatives and community members welcomed them home.
The Owa of Eruku commended the rescue operation, saying it had brought immense relief to a community that had been deeply shaken since the attack.
