Thirty-eight people abducted during an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area have regained their freedom, with one victim revealing the terrorists’ dominance of forest enclaves spanning several states.
Speaking to journalists shortly after their release on Sunday, November 23, the victim recounted the terrifying experience as heavily armed men stormed the church during an evening programme.
“About 30 minutes into the programme, after everybody had settled, I suddenly heard gunshots,” he said.
“At first, I didn’t even recognise it. I thought it was just the sound of an electrical wire sparking. But within moments, they had surrounded the whole church.”
The abducted members were taken deep into the forest, where the victim said the attackers openly admitted their control over the area and demonstrated detailed knowledge of bush routes across Kwara and neighbouring states.
“When we got there, we didn’t know it was a dominated area. It was unimaginable. They boldly told us they are bandits and that nobody escapes from that place without being caught,” he said.
“From that place they have dominated, they know all the roads surrounding those bushes in Kwara and other states.”
The victim’s account highlights the mobility and operational advantage of the terrorists, whose familiarity with forested routes makes them particularly dangerous.
Coordinated Rescue Operation Secures Release
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State confirmed the release of the abductees, attributing the success to coordinated efforts by security agencies and the direct intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, noted that the President temporarily called off his scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to oversee the security response in Kwara and Kebbi states.
“The President had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, underlining his firm commitment to the safety and well-being of our people and Nigerians as a whole,” the statement said.
Governor AbdulRazaq extended gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four tactical teams to assist in the rescue.
“The abductees were freed today, November 23. This success is wholly due to the direct initiative of the President,” the Governor said.
Security Implications
The victim’s testimony underscores the persistent threat posed by heavily armed gangs operating in forested areas, as well as the urgent need for enhanced intelligence and security measures to protect vulnerable communities, particularly religious institutions in Ekiti, Kwara, and surrounding states.
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