The Presidency under Bola Tinubu has confirmed the safe release of 38 worshippers abducted from a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, following intervention by security agencies.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated on Monday during an interview with Arise Television that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military established direct contact with the kidnappers, demanding the immediate release of the victims.
According to Onanuga, the bandits complied because they understood the consequences of defying government orders.
“After the incident happened, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue efforts. They got in contact with the bandits to release those people unharmed, and finally on Sunday they were able to get them out,” he said.
Onanuga explained that security agencies have established methods to track armed groups but exercise caution to avoid endangering abducted civilians, who are often used as human shields.
“The security people — at the risk of revealing how they work — have a way of tracking these people. They know what’s going on at any time. What sometimes restrains them from going after the kidnappers is the risk of collateral damage,” he added.
Pressed on how the hostages were freed without a direct military confrontation, especially after some victims were previously killed during the church attack, Onanuga emphasized that the government’s primary goal was the safe return of all abducted persons.
“They contacted them to release the victims because the bandits know the consequences of not listening to government demands. The first thing government must do is get those people freed. That objective has been achieved,” he said, adding that further operations by security agencies may follow.
All 38 abducted worshippers were reportedly rescued alive, though authorities have not disclosed operational details or whether any follow-up actions are underway against the kidnappers.
The Eruku attack has reignited public concern over escalating insecurity in Kwara South and neighboring states, prompting renewed calls for stronger intelligence operations and improved community protection measures.
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