The 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have safely returned to their families, days after authorities confirmed their rescue.
The victims were abducted on November 18 during a thanksgiving service at CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, an attack that left three people dead and one injured.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, Dada Sunday, Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti LGA Chairman, said the rescued individuals were formally handed over to Chairman Awelewa Olawale Gabriel in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
He described the handover as the conclusion of a coordinated rescue operation involving federal and state security agencies.
Chairman Awelewa expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, the National Security Adviser, and all security personnel involved, praising the swift response.
He also acknowledged the medical care provided to the victims and reassured residents that security across all 10 wards of the LGA would be reinforced.
The freed worshippers arrived in Eruku at approximately 6:30pm on Tuesday, where they were warmly received by relatives and community members.
The Owa of Eruku lauded the rescue effort, noting the relief it brought to a community that had been deeply unsettled since the incident.
