Kwara Church Attack: Tinubu’s Swift Security Push Delivers as All 38 Worshippers Regain Freedom
The dramatic rescue of all 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Kwara State, has placed National focus on the emergency security response ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following last Tuesday’s deadly church invasion.
President Tinubu confirmed the rescue in a statement on Sunday, praising the “heroic coordination” of security agencies and maintaining that Nigerians must never live under the shadow of fear.
The attack, which was captured in part on a live-stream that later went viral, left three worshippers dead and plunged the quiet border community into days of anguish. Worshippers had gathered for their evening service when gunmen stormed the church, firing sporadically and forcing dozens into the bush along the Kwara–Kogi boundary.
Church leaders initially counted 35 victims, but after a headcount and family confirmations, the figure was updated to 38 abducted persons, including three visitors who had joined the service.
For days, the kidnappers demanded huge ransoms, starting with ₦100 million per victim before reducing it to ₦20 million each, as security forces intensified surveillance through dense forest corridors notorious for attacks.
Pastor Bamidele Lawrence, who led the service the night the attack occurred, said the church experienced “the darkest moment in its history,” but expressed gratitude that the abductees were rescued alive. He described receiving what he believed was “divine assurance” that the captives would return safely.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State also confirmed the successful rescue, commending the collaboration between the Military, Police Tactical teams, Local Vigilantes, SWAT operatives and anti-kidnapping units. The Governor lauded President Tinubu’s “timely directives” and close monitoring of the operation.
On Sunday afternoon, the freed worshippers were flown to the State House Clinic in Abuja for comprehensive medical checks. Security Officials revealed that the rescue operation involved days of coordinated ground sweeps, drone surveillance and interception routes blocking the kidnappers’ escape channels.
In Eruku, the first church service since the attack was held on Sunday. Worshippers gathered in the same bullet-scarred auditorium, offering prayers for the dead, thanksgiving for the rescued, and calling for sustained Government protection. Emotional scenes unfolded as families reunited, while local hunters and vigilante groups were also praised for assisting security forces.
Security has now been heavily reinforced in the community. Soldiers, mobile police units, SWAT teams, and anti-kidnapping operatives have been deployed to secure entry points, forest pathways and border routes. Authorities say the reinforced presence will remain throughout the festive period.
President Tinubu, in his statement, assured the nation of intensified anti-banditry operations.
“I will not relent,” he wrote. “Every Nigerian deserves safety. Under my watch, we will secure this nation.”
The Federal Government has since directed security Agencies to widen ongoing intelligence operations aimed at dismantling the broader network behind the attack.
