Abduction Incident and Immediate Aftermath
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, was attacked by gunmen during an evening service. The assailants opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three worshippers and the abduction of 38 individuals. One victim also sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment. The church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, confirmed the number of abducted individuals, clarifying that while 35 members were initially identified, three non-members were also taken, bringing the total to 38.
Reports indicated that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million per victim, which was later reduced to N20 million each before communication ceased.
Coordinated Rescue Operation
The rescue of all 38 abducted worshippers was successfully concluded on Sunday, November 23, 2025, following a multi-agency security operation. The efforts involved a collaboration between the military, police (including the Special Tactical Squad, SWAT, and Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara State Police Command), and local vigilante groups.
President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq were credited for their direct involvement and coordination of the rescue mission. President Tinubu reportedly cancelled a scheduled trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to personally oversee the security efforts at home. Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the President and the various security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, for their hard work.
Community Response and Broader Context
Despite the traumatic event, the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, held a special service on Sunday, November 23, praying for the safe return of their members and for those who lost their lives. The attack on the Eruku church is part of a concerning trend of increasing banditry and kidnappings in border communities across Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States, highlighting expanding criminal networks in the region.
8 Comments
Leonardo
Our security forces really stepped up here. A job well done!
Donatello
While it's a relief to see security agencies collaborate effectively, this incident underscores the urgent need for proactive intelligence and prevention strategies to stop these attacks before they happen, not just react to them.
Leonardo
One successful rescue doesn't erase the constant kidnappings and deaths. We need real change.
Donatello
The successful rescue is a moment of joy for the families, but the emotional and psychological trauma for the victims and the community will last long, highlighting the severe human cost of this ongoing crisis.
Michelangelo
Cancelling a trip doesn't solve the systemic insecurity; it's a reactive measure.
lettlelenok
Tinubu and AbdulRazaq's direct involvement is positive for demonstrating leadership, yet the persistent trend of insecurity in border states indicates that these high-level interventions are becoming too frequent and necessary.
ytkonos
Fantastic news! This successful rescue shows what coordinated effort can achieve.
Noir Black
They were only rescued because of a huge operation. What about the next attack?