38 abducted worshippers at Eruku CAC Church regain freedom as prayers, security efforts, and government support bring relief to victims and community.
The 38 abducted worshippers at CAC Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State, have regained freedom following a terrifying bandit attack last Tuesday that claimed three lives and left many injured.
The ordeal, which shook the local community, has now entered a hopeful chapter with the release of the victims, though the impact of the attack continues to resonate among church members and residents.
On Sunday, the church held its first service since the attack. The auditorium, still bearing traces of the violence, was filled with prayers for the safe return of the kidnapped and for the repose of those who died during the raid.
Pastor Bamidele Lawrence, who officiated the service, described the attack as a severe test of faith.
He reassured worshippers that divine protection had guided the release of the abducted, likening their journey to biblical trials endured by the Israelites.
Security was highly visible during the service. Journalists reported the presence of soldiers, the Special Tactical Squad (STS) from Force Headquarters, SWAT teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police Command, and local vigilantes patrolling Eruku.
The large-scale deployment was reportedly directed by President Bola Tinubu, who mandated joint operations to track the attackers and secure the release of the victims.
Church secretary Michael Agbabiaka confirmed that the number of kidnapped worshippers was 38, contrary to circulating reports of 60.
Initially, the church had documented 35 names, but a verification exercise later revealed that three additional non-members were among those abducted.
“Rumours that over 60 people were abducted are not true,” Agbabiaka stated.
“We have 38 people still in the bush. Three people died, and one is in the hospital receiving treatment. I have their names and phone numbers; we don’t want misinformation.”
Agbabiaka also revealed details of ransom negotiations. Bandits had originally demanded N100 million per victim, but the amount was later reduced to N20 million each before communication broke off on Friday.
Despite the trauma and fear, church leaders encouraged members to attend the Sunday service as an act of faith and resilience.
“Only a few people are present, but we thank God for life and for strengthening us. We also appreciate the government for deploying security operatives who are now patrolling the town and the church,” he told reporters.
The CAC Eruku Rescue operation involved close collaboration between federal, state, and local security agencies.
Soldiers, police units, and vigilantes worked together to ensure that the 38 abducted worshippers were located and released safely.
Community members expressed relief at the heavy security presence, noting that it restored a sense of safety in a town traumatized by the attack.
During the service, congregants lit candles, recited prayers, and sang hymns for the victims’ safe return and the healing of those injured.
Pastor Lawrence encouraged the church to remain steadfast in faith, highlighting that resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to spiritual and communal strength.
He emphasized that the church’s response serves as a model for other communities vulnerable to similar attacks.
Many survivors shared their harrowing experiences during the attack, describing how armed bandits stormed the church and opened fire indiscriminately.
They expressed gratitude for the rapid response of security forces but also acknowledged the need for long-term trauma counseling to help victims and their families recover.
Church leaders have called for professional psychological support to address the emotional and mental effects of the ordeal.
The Eruku incident has sparked broader discussions about the security of religious spaces in Nigeria.
Faith leaders have urged proactive measures, including improved intelligence gathering, rapid response teams, and community-police partnerships to prevent attacks.
Local vigilantes and residents have been encouraged to cooperate with security agencies for timely reporting of threats and coordinated intervention during crises.
Agbabiaka also emphasized that the church and families have been cautious in sharing updates on the kidnappings and release, to avoid endangering lives.
He stressed that verified information is crucial to supporting the ongoing rescue operations.
The first service after the attack symbolized both spiritual renewal and community solidarity. Church members demonstrated courage by attending the service and praying for the released worshippers.
The Eruku Church Attack incident, while tragic, has now turned into a story of hope with the 38 abducted worshippers regaining their freedom.
Security experts and church leaders continue to work together to ensure the safety of religious institutions in the region.
They praised the coordination between federal, state, and local security forces, emphasizing that vigilance, collaboration, and community engagement are essential to preventing future attacks.
The Eruku Church Attack and subsequent CAC Eruku Rescue highlight the resilience of faith communities facing threats, as well as the critical role of security forces in safeguarding vulnerable towns.
The release of the 38 abducted worshippers demonstrates that coordinated efforts, prayers, and faith can overcome even the darkest chapters of violence.
CAC Oke-Isegun’s congregation remains united, hopeful, and committed to continuing worship despite the trauma.
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