Thirty-eight worshippers abducted during the attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been released.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced their freedom on Sunday, November 23, following days of coordinated operations by security agencies and government officials.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, confirmed the development in a statement, attributing the successful rescue to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu.

According to the statement, President Tinubu cancelled a planned trip to the G20 Meeting in South Africa in order to address the security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states, and ordered intensified security deployments to the affected areas.

“The abductees were freed today, November 23,” the statement said, noting that the release was “wholly due to [the President’s] direct initiative.”

Governor AbdulRazaq extended gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force— which deployed four new tactical teams — and the Nigerian Intelligence Agency for their coordinated efforts.

He also thanked religious bodies, community leaders, and residents of Kwara State for their support throughout the ordeal. The release brings significant relief to the community still reeling from the traumatic incident.

Background: Attack on the Church

The worshippers were kidnapped on November 18 when ten armed men invaded the church during an evening service, shooting at congregants. Several worshippers, including the pastor, were killed in the assault.

Earlier on Sunday, SaharaReporters reported that the church had reopened for service. A viral video from the service showed a preacher proclaiming that divine judgment would come upon the terrorists responsible for the attack.

Encouraging the congregation not to fear death, the preacher said believers killed for their faith “die as witnesses for Christ,” adding that God would avenge them.

The clip also showed police officers and a patrol van stationed outside the church to prevent further attacks.

Wider Debate on Religious Persecution

The attack comes amid renewed international debate over religious persecution in Nigeria. Advocacy groups and some U.S. lawmakers argue that Christians face systematic violence, while Nigerian authorities maintain that insecurity affects both Christians and Muslims.

Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump reignited the controversy by redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations—a move applauded by some Christian groups but rejected by Nigerian officials.