Several days after being rescued from bandits, the 38 members of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State, have still not been reunited with their families
The worshippers were abducted on November 18 during a special thanksgiving service in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.
Three people were killed and another sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. They were released last Sunday and taken to Ilorin by government officials after completing government-sponsored medical checks.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed their release through his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye. While details of how or where the victims were freed remain unclear, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, denied claims that ransom was paid, stating the government only negotiated with the bandits.
Despite their release, the worshippers remain separated from their families, leaving relatives anxious. One family member said, “We celebrated when they called us on Sunday to say they had been released. But since that day, they have yet to arrive in Eruku. We miss them and hope to be reunited soon.”
Another relative expressed concern over conflicting reports, adding, “We are hearing different stories about their whereabouts. But at least we saw them in the news on Sunday and have spoken with them on the phone. Seeing them again will gladden our hearts.”
Security and government sources confirmed the victims are still in Ilorin undergoing medical and psychological assessment. A senior official said, “They went through trauma, especially the young ones and the elderly. The government wants to ensure their welfare before allowing them to return home.”
The official also reiterated that no ransom was paid, stating, “Paying bandits would send the wrong signal. The government ensured the worshippers were freed unharmed and they will soon be reunited with their families.”
Residents of Eruku welcomed the medical intervention but are eager to have the victims back in the community for proper healing. The Kwara State Government has yet to explain the reason for the extended delay, and a request for comment from the Commissioner for Communication, Bolanle Olukoju, was not returned.
Security sources close to the operation indicated that the delay may be due to post-trauma evaluation and debriefing in a secure facility.
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