Thirty-eight worshippers kidnapped by armed men in Kwara State have been safely reunited with their families after a coordinated rescue attempt spearheaded by federal and state officials.
The victims, who were kidnapped during a religious gathering in Eruku, were returned to their village on Tuesday about 6:30 p.m., when emotional crowds gathered to see them after days in captivity.
According to Prince Dada Sunday, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government, the rescue was made possible by combined efforts by President Bola Tinubu, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, and the Office of the National Security Advisor.
Prior to their return, the group was formally handed over to Ekiti Local Government Chairman, Honourable Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, at a brief ceremony in Ilorin.
Speaking after the handover, Awelewa praised the government’s prompt response and the collaboration of security agencies that enabled the operation.
He also praised the medical teams who provided immediate care to the rescued victims, stating that all 38 were stabilized before being transported home.
Awelewa assured residents that the local government would increase security measures in all ten wards.
