₦airaland Forum

BREAKING: Terrorists Attack CAC Church In Kwara Community, Kill Three, Abduct Pastor, Several Worshippers
November 18, 2025
NEWS

Panic and tears swept through Eruku town in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday evening as terrorists stormed a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), killing three worshippers and abducting several others, including the pastor.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the attackers invaded the church during a meeting and immediately opened fire, sending worshippers running for cover.

Three members were shot dead on the spot before the assailants seized an unspecified number of people.

“The gunmen came in suddenly and started shooting. Three people were killed instantly,” one source said. “They gathered others at gunpoint and marched them into the bush. We still don’t know the exact number taken.”

The attackers reportedly escaped through bush paths that connect Eruku to neighbouring communities, leaving residents in panic and confusion.

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that tension erupted on Tuesday evening in Eruku, a community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, after heavily armed terrorists launched a coordinated attack, forcing travellers and residents to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.

Sources had told SaharaReporters that the attackers stormed the town through one of the major entry routes, firing sporadically as they advanced.

The assault triggered panic, leaving vehicles abandoned on the road as people scrambled for cover.

Eyewitnesses reported sustained gunfire ringing across parts of the community as the terrorists moved deeper into the town.

A traveller who escaped the scene recorded a frantic video while hiding in the bush. In the shaky video, he repeatedly pleaded for security intervention as gunshots echoed in the background.

“This is 18-11-2025. On my way coming back from the Federal Poly, Bida, Niger State, we were coming through Ilorin road when they started shooting. Everybody has scattered into the bush,” the panicked traveller said.

“Please, come to our rescue. We are in trouble. They are shooting everywhere. People have abandoned their vehicles. The community is in chaos. Please help us.”

SaharaReporters continues to monitor the developments as the terrorists wandered without resistance from community to community in Kwara State wreaking havoc and wasting the lives of residents.

There is no official reaction yet from the Kwara State Police Command or the State Government to the incidents.

SaharaReporters

Three members were shot dead on the spot before the assailants seized an unspecified number of people.

Deliberate.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Can you imagine the thread below was created by a human

https://www.nairaland.com/8563807/muslim-muslim-ticket-attack-justification

According to image123, this ones aren't Christians but people are just defending their businesses and land claiming they're being persecuted because of Christ.

Nigeria's Christians are being pushed to the brink of extinction. Read more: https://trib.al/UQPiJY7

Emusan:
According to image123, this ones aren't Christians but people are just defending their businesses and land claiming they're being persecuted because of Christ.

Don't lie dear, lying remains a sin. Defending God with lies still lands one in the lake of fire. i called these type of killings soft targets. You may read up on it. This is no genocide.
Is it wrong? YES.
Should the culprits be caught and judged? YES
Is it a genocide? NO.

Get your facts right and stop acting emotional only.

OLAADEGBU:
Three members were shot dead on the spot before the assailants seized an unspecified number of people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhfGeNethxc?si=UvwTUL5mUtUp2Wm8

Image123:
Don't lie dear, lying remains a sin. Defending God with lies still lands one in the lake of fire. i called these type of killings soft targets. You may read up on it. This is no genocide.
Is it wrong? YES.
Should the culprits be caught and judged? YES
Is it a genocide? NO.

Get your facts right and stop acting emotional only.

Defender of terrorists well done sir.

He even have the guilt to call it SOFT TARGET

So, when will it become Genocide?

Emusan:
Defender of terrorists well done sir.

He even have the guilt to call it SOFT TARGET

So, when will it become Genocide?

i see you're left with nothing except name calling and false accusations. Not well done IMHO. You need Jesus more than ever, literally.

“My Two Aunties and one of their son Were K!dnapped In This Video, The Old Woman Running Slowly Is My Grandma”- Doctor Cries Out after the viral video of band!t attack at CAC church in kwara State.

Source

Austrian Pro-NATO Committee Chairman Says #RedWednesday In Nigeria Calls For Trump's Military Intervention
November 19, 2025
NEWS

The Chairman of the Austrian Committee for NATO Enlargement for Austria, Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia and the EU, Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn, has sparked outrage after calling for foreign military intervention in Nigeria and the “liberation of Biafra,” following a recent attack on a church in Kwara State.

Fehlinger-Jahn made the remarks in a series of posts on X, which SaharaReporters reviewed on Wednesday, while reacting to a circulating video he described as an “Islamist attack on a Church in Nigeria.”
In one of the posts, he wrote:

“I got this video sent of a Islamist attack on a Church in Nigeria. Today is #RedWednesday the global awareness day against prosecution of Christians. What is happening in Nigeria is utterly unacceptable. It is time for military intervention for liberate Biafra as we liberated Kosovo 1999.”

He then tagged the President of the United States, urging the deployment of America’s military assets.

“On #RedWednesday this shocking evidence hits hard @POTUS. Act now. Send the Navy,” he posted.

Fehlinger-Jahn continued his criticism of the Nigerian state in subsequent tweets, insisting that the country had failed its citizens.

Responding to another user, he wrote: “Dear @CorruptionIzBad, You proof my point. Nigeria is not working. Nigeria never worked. Nigeria is bad for all Nigerians. Nigeria is bad for Muslims. Nigeria is bad for Christians. Nigeria is rotten & corrupt. Nigeria is a failed state. Nigeria must be ExNigeria. 6 new better state is bes.”

Residents of Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Wednesday took to the streets in anger and frustration, blocking the Kwara–Kogi highway to protest the latest terrorist attack that claimed lives and left several worshippers abducted.

The aggrieved youths mounted logs, planks, tyres and other barricades across the major road as early as 6am, leaving dozens of vehicles stranded on both ends of the busy interstate route.

Many motorists were forced to park and wait as protesters vowed not to vacate the road until authorities respond to their demands.

Some demonstrators said the blockade was a desperate move to draw attention to the escalating insecurity in the area.

They lamented that repeated attacks have turned Eruku and neighbouring communities into soft targets for terrorists.

According to residents, the latest assault occurred on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, when terrorists stormed the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku during a worship session, killing at least three members and abducting others.

SaharaReporters

Fehlinger-Jahn continued his criticism of the Nigerian state in subsequent tweets, insisting that the country had failed its citizens.

Nigerian Man Confirms Two Relations Abducted By Terrorists Who Attacked CAC Church In Eruku
November 19, 2025
NEWS

The attackers invaded the church during a meeting and immediately opened fire, sending worshippers running for cover.

A Nigerian man, identified only as Dr Popoola, has confirmed that his biological aunt and another aunt’s son were among the victims abducted by terrorists during a violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday evening.

Dr. Popoola on his X on Wednesday clarified details surrounding a widely circulated video showing worshippers fleeing as gunmen invaded the church.

Contrary to claims by one Adesola Yinka, who alleged that an elderly woman in the footage was among those abducted, Dr. Popoola said the old woman seen struggling to run is his grandmother — and she was not taken.

“Update this morning; My grandma seen struggling to run in the video wasn't taken along with those who were kidnapped, Also it's my biological aunt and my cousin (my other aunt's son) who were kidnapped,” he said.

He added that while casualties were recorded during the attack, details remain uncertain.

“Some people were killed, however the details of who isn’t clear yet. The town is in terror. My two aunties were kidnapped in this video, the old woman running slowly is my grandma,” he added.

SaharaReporters previously reported that panic and tears swept through Eruku town in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday evening as terrorists stormed a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), killing three worshippers and abducting several others, including the pastor.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the attackers invaded the church during a meeting and immediately opened fire, sending worshippers running for cover.

Three members were shot dead on the spot before the assailants seized an unspecified number of people.

“The gunmen came in suddenly and started shooting. Three people were killed instantly,” one source said. “They gathered others at gunpoint and marched them into the bush. We still don’t know the exact number taken.”

The attackers reportedly escaped through bush paths that connect Eruku to neighbouring communities, leaving residents in panic and confusion.

SaharaReporters

“Update this morning; My grandma seen struggling to run in the video wasn't taken along with those who were kidnapped, Also it's my biological aunt and my cousin (my other aunt's son) who were kidnapped,” he said.

Christianity risks elimination in North, Middle Belt, Nigerian bishop tells US lawmakers
20th November 2025
By Gift Habib

Christianity faces the risk of being wiped out in parts of the North and Middle Belt, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Wilfred Anagbe, has warned in testimony before the United States House Subcommittee on Africa.

Anagbe told US lawmakers on Thursday that Nigeria was entering “one of its darkest periods” for Christians, citing unrelenting killings, mass displacement and targeted attacks carried out “with impunity.”

“Christianity risks elimination in parts of Northern and Middle-Belt Nigeria within a very short time,” Anagbe stated, describing the violence as a systematic effort to wipe out Christian communities and erase their cultural and religious identity.

The bishop said the ongoing crises marked by killings, kidnappings and widespread destruction have intensified despite recent international attention, including the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump.

He called that move “a serious, well-founded wakeup call.”

He said, “Millions of displaced persons remain in camps, unable to return to their ancestral lands. This threatens cultural continuity, religious and economic survival.”

He added that women “endure sexual violence as a weapon,” warning that such tactics are designed to ensure that “no more Christians will be born from so many traumatised women.”

Anagbe recounted a series of recent violent incidents, including the May 22 attack on his hometown, where several of his relatives were killed.

“An entire convent of Reverend Sisters of the Order of St. Clare was displaced, along with the local Catholic parish,” he said.

He also described the attempted killing of one of his priests, Father Solomon Atongo, on May 24.

“He was shot and left to die in the pool of his blood. Though he survived the attack, he is unable to walk freely because he has a broken bone,” he added.

The bishop referenced attacks across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna and Kogi, including the June 13 massacre in Yelwata, Benue State, where he said 278 people — men, women and children — were slaughtered.

“It took the prayers of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for the government in Nigeria to even acknowledge this evil,” he said.

He accused the Federal Government of failing to confront the crisis.

“The government of Nigeria’s silence and refusal to engage in the fates of continued killings and displacements has deepened feelings of abandonment among the people,” he said.

The bishop asked lawmakers pointedly, “Who is killing the Muslims up north? Is there any Christian militia displacing millions and occupying lands in Nigeria?”

According to the bishop, extremist groups—including militants, Boko Haram and ISWAP—are now pushing further South, worsening food insecurity and creating one of the largest displacement crises in Africa.

“Violence is spreading southward, displacing millions and destroying farmland,” he noted.

Anagbe thanked the subcommittee for its continued attention and reiterated his gratitude to President Donald Trump.

“On behalf of millions of Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, we want to thank President Donald Trump for his bold leadership in designating Nigeria as a CPC,” he said.

But he insisted that words must be followed by action.

Among other steps, he called for targeted sanctions, expanded humanitarian support for internally displaced persons, and the passage of the Nigerian Religious Freedom and Accountability Act.

“This point cannot be overemphasised because it is impunity that fuels the violence we suffer,” he told the committee.

He urged allies to challenge discriminatory laws in Nigeria and push for the elimination of blasphemy laws.

As he closed, Anagbe warned that time is running out for Christian communities.

“The church alone cannot stop the killings. It requires coordinated political, military and humanitarian intervention,” he said.

His final plea was solemn and urgent, “Mr Chairman and members, we cannot afford to wait any longer. Please enact concrete actions according to the CPC designation. We all know that inaction emboldens the extremists even more.”

Punchng

“Christianity risks elimination in parts of Northern and Middle-Belt Nigeria within a very short time,” Anagbe stated, describing the violence as a systematic effort to wipe out Christian communities and erase their cultural and religious identity.

Prosecutors say the attack was a bid to wave a 'holy war against infidels'. Read more: https://trib.al/8fgoREs

Amnesty International Demands Arrest Of Terrorists Who Attacked Kwara CAC Church, Says 'Nigerians Live On The Edge’ Under Tinubu
November 19, 2025
NEWS

The attackers reportedly escaped through bush paths that connect Eruku to neighbouring communities, leaving residents in panic and confusion.

Global human rights organisation, the Amnesty International, has condemned Tuesday’s deadly attack on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Amnesty International on Wednesday described it as another sign of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

SaharaReporters previously reported that panic and tears swept through Eruku town in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday evening as terrorists stormed a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), killing three worshippers and abducting several others, including the pastor.

Sources had told SaharaReporters that the attackers invaded the church during a meeting and immediately opened fire, sending worshippers running for cover.

Three members were shot dead on the spot before the assailants seized an unspecified number of people.

“The gunmen came in suddenly and started shooting. Three people were killed instantly,” one source said.

“They gathered others at gunpoint and marched them into the bush. We still don’t know the exact number taken.”

The attackers reportedly escaped through bush paths that connect Eruku to neighbouring communities, leaving residents in panic and confusion.

Reacting to the incident on Wednesday in a statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Amnesty International said the violence underscored the growing sense of fear across the country under the President Bola Tinubu-led government.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the gunmen’s attack on worshippers at CAC Church Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, on Tuesday, 18 November, in which three people were killed and some of the worshippers were abducted,” the statement read.

The human rights organisation said attacks on rural communities have spiked, leaving residents feeling abandoned.

It warned that the “Alarming escalation of attacks, abductions for ransom and frequent killings across Nigeria have left people feeling more unsafe. The time to end this impunity is now. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.”

Amnesty International also decried the fact that people in many parts of northern Nigeria live under constant threat without any hope of state protection.

“Across many rural communities of northern Nigeria, people perpetually live on the edge, constantly bracing up for the next attack, without any hope of protection or justice,” the organisation said.

It noted that the government’s continued failure to prevent attacks or prosecute suspects has contributed to a climate of fear and hopelessness.

“Incessant killings and the stunning failure of the authorities to end them and bring suspected perpetrators to justice have been and continue to be a threat to the right to life in Nigeria.”

The incident added to a series of violent attacks targeting rural communities, religious centres, schools and travellers across the country, raising renewed concern about Nigeria’s inability to contain armed groups operating with increasing boldness.

SaharaReporters

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the gunmen’s attack on worshippers at CAC Church Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, on Tuesday, 18 November, in which three people were killed and some of the worshippers were abducted,” the statement read.

Terrified worshippers were forced to flee for their lives 😢🙏 Read more: https://trib.al/bDJ8lN3

Tinubu Made A Deal With The T*rrists, His VP Is A Accomplice - Security Expert


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47gRp_BMVqg?si=r57PnRFlkn_PkloR

CAN Declares Nationwide One-Day Prayer Against ‘Christian Genocide’ In Nigeria
November 23, 2025
NEWS

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a nationwide one-day prayer to address what it describes as the “ongoing Christian Genocide in the country,” following resolutions reached at the 4th Quarter Meeting of its National Executive Council held on November 18, 2025 in Jos, Plateau State.

The declaration was issued in a circular dated November 20, 2025, and signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Apostle Professor Samson A. Fatokun.

The circular was issued from CAN’s National Headquarters at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

The message, addressed to CAN bloc leaders, zonal and state chairmen, heads of church denominations, and resident pastors across Nigeria, conveyed directives from the CAN President, Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh.

“As part of the resolutions of the 4th Quarter Meeting of CAN National Executive Council held in Jos, Plateau State on the 18th November 2025, I am directed by the CAN President, His Eminence, Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, to inform all church leaders and pastors of the declaration/observance of a one-day nation-wide prayer against the ongoing Christian Genocide in the country,” the letter stated.

The prayer, scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025, is to be observed in all Christian denominations across Nigeria.

According to the circular, the prayer points include: “Divine intervention to put a stop to the ongoing Christian Genocide.

“Divine intervention in the resettling of the already displaced Christians back to their ancestral homes/communities.

“Divine stop to the activities of terrorists, kidnappers and bandits in the country.

“Divine wisdom to those in government to take the right steps in putting a stop to this great wickedness.

“Divine restoration of Peace and Tranquility in Nigeria.”

The prayer session will also draw from biblical texts in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Esther 4:15–16.

CAN urged church leaders to treat the observance with seriousness and spiritual intensity.

“Kindly ensure that this prayer is taken with all fervency. We strongly believe that our God will rise in power as He did in Esther's time in biblical narrative,” Fatokun wrote.

Background

The debate over an alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria is highly contested. Advocacy groups and some U.S. politicians argue that Christians face systematic persecution, while Nigerian officials and other analysts insist the violence is broader, affecting both Christians and Muslims.

President Donald Trump recently reignited this controversy by redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations, a move praised by some religious groups but rejected by Nigerian authorities.

Groups like the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) and Open Doors allege that over 50,000 Christians have been killed and 18,000 churches destroyed since 2009.

U.S. politicians such as Senator Ted Cruz have described Nigeria as the “deadliest country in the world for Christians”.

Nigerian officials strongly dispute these figures. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently argued that the government does not classify victims by religion, stressing that all Nigerians are victims of insecurity. Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State similarly denied any religious genocide, attributing violence to herder-farmer conflicts over land and resources.

Commentators warn that framing Nigeria’s insecurity as a “Christian genocide” oversimplifies complex issues like terrorism, banditry, and governance failures. Both Boko Haram and ISWAP have attacked Muslims and Christians alike.

Trump’s CPC Designation

On October 31, 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. He cited persecution of Christians by violent Islamist groups, including Fulani militias.

Nigerian groups like the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) rejected the designation, calling it politically motivated propaganda that risks inflaming religious tensions.

CPC status allows the U.S. to impose sanctions or restrict aid. Trump has even threatened military action, saying Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria.

SaharaReporters

The message, addressed to CAN bloc leaders, zonal and state chairmen, heads of church denominations, and resident pastors across Nigeria, conveyed directives from the CAN President, Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh.

BREAKING: 38 Abducted Worshippers Of Kwara Church Regain Freedom
November 23, 2025
NEWS

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has announced the release of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.

The freed abductees regained their freedom on Sunday, November 23, following several days of coordinated efforts by security forces and government representatives.

Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, disclosed the information in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to the statement, Governor AbdulRazaq attributed the successful rescue to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, who directed measures to secure the release.

“The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States,” the statement said.

“He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.”

“The abductees were freed today, November 23,” it said.

The Governor expressed his gratitude to the President, saying the release “is wholly due to his direct initiative.”

He also extended appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four new tactical teams to the state under the President’s directive.

In addition, Governor AbdulRazaq thanked religious institutions, thought leaders, and residents of Kwara State for their support and solidarity during the ordeal.

The abductees’ return marks a significant relief for the community following the traumatic incident that had drawn national attention.

Earlier on Sunday, SaharaReporters reported that service had resumed at Kwara church following the recent terrorist attack.

On November 18, ten armed men stormed the church during an evening service, shooting at worshippers. Thirty-eight members were abducted, and several were killed, including the pastor.

In a viral video seen by SaharaReporters from the service held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the preacher declared that God’s judgment would descend on the terrorists who attacked the congregation and took lives.

He urged members not to fear death as Christians, insisting that God’s promise of eternal life remains assured for all who die in the name of Jesus.

He said, “As a Christian, you must not fear death. Jesus has promised you eternal life. He has promised eternal life to us.

“Don’t let us fear death. Anywhere death comes to you, make sure you do not curse Jesus. If you don’t curse Jesus, the promise is for you that Jesus will take you to a place of peace. This world will end but the life Jesus has promised us has no end. It is forever. He said we should not allow our hearts to be troubled.

“I want you to take comfort in knowing that they (our fellow worshippers) died at the feet of Jesus. They died a righteous death. Anyone who is killed for the gospel of Jesus Christ dies as a witness for Christ.

“And it is in the bible that God will avenge the deaths of the witnesses for Christ. Their blood will cry for justice. Those evil people (terrorists), watch out, God’s judgment will come upon them. The bible tells us that death is the path to life.”

The video also shows a police van and officers stationed outside the church to prevent any further attacks.

Advocacy groups and some U.S. politicians have argued that Christians face systematic persecution, while Nigerian officials and other analysts insist the violence is broader, affecting both Christians and Muslims.

President Donald Trump recently reignited this controversy by redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations, a move praised by some religious groups but rejected by Nigerian authorities.

SaharaReporters

The freed abductees regained their freedom on Sunday, November 23, following several days of coordinated efforts by security forces and government representatives.

Terrorists Control All The Bush Routes’: Freed Kwara Church Worshipper Details Bandits’ Grip On Kwara, Neighbouring States
November 24, 2025
NEWS

One of the church members abducted during last week’s attack in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, has revealed that the terrorists who kidnapped them operate from a fully dominated enclave and possess detailed knowledge of bush routes across several states.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday shortly after regaining freedom, the victim recounted the terrifying moment heavily armed men stormed the church during an evening programme.

“About 30 minutes into the programme, after everybody had settled, I suddenly heard gunshots,” the victim said.

“At first, I didn’t even recognise it. I thought it was just the sound of an electrical wire sparking. But within moments, they had surrounded the whole church.”

He added that worshippers were thrown into confusion as some people began to notice drops of blood on the floor during the chaos of the invasion.

The abducted members were taken deep into the forest, where the victim said they discovered that the attackers were operating in territory they had fully taken over.

“When we got there, we didn’t know it was a dominated area,” he said. “It was unimaginable. They boldly told us they are bandits and that nobody escapes from that place without being caught.”

According to him, the kidnappers openly bragged about their control and mastery of the terrain.

“From that place they have dominated, they know all the roads surrounding those bushes in Kwara and other states,” he said, stressing that the gang’s mobility and familiarity with forest routes make them even more dangerous.

Previously, SaharaReporters reported that Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had announced the release of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.

The freed abductees regained their freedom on Sunday, November 23, following several days of coordinated efforts by security forces and government representatives.

Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, disclosed the information in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to the statement, Governor AbdulRazaq attributed the successful rescue to the “hands-on approach” of President Bola Tinubu, who directed measures to secure the release.

“The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States,” the statement said.

“He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and well-being of our people and Nigerians as a whole.”

“The abductees were freed today, November 23,” the statement said.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the President, saying the release “is wholly due to his direct initiative.”

He also extended appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four new tactical teams to the state under the President’s directive.

SaharaReporters

Speaking with journalists on Sunday shortly after regaining freedom, the victim recounted the terrifying moment heavily armed men stormed the church during an evening programme.

Nigerian Presidency Confirms DSS, Military Directly Contacted Bandits To Free 38 Eruku Church Worshippers
November 25, 2025
NEWS

The Bola Tinubu-led Presidency said the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military established contact with the bandits to secure the release of the 38 victims abducted from a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on Monday during an interview on Arise Television, insisting that security agencies made direct contact with the kidnappers and demanded the victims’ immediate release.

According to Onanuga, the bandits complied because they understood the consequences of defying government orders.

“After the incident happened, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue efforts. They got in contact with the bandits to release those people unharmed, and finally on Sunday they were able to get them out,” he said.

He explained that security agencies had established methods of tracking armed groups but often exercise restraint to avoid harming abducted civilians who are frequently used as human shields.

“The security people — at the risk of revealing how they work — have a way of tracking these people. They know what’s going on at any time. What sometimes restrains them from going after the kidnappers is the risk of collateral damage,” he added.

Onanuga was pressed on how the hostages were released without a direct military confrontation, especially given the bandits had previously killed some victims during the church attack.

He maintained that the government’s priority was to secure the safe return of all abducted persons.

“They contacted them to release the victims because the bandits know the consequences of not listening to government demands,” he said.

“The first thing government must do is get those people freed. That objective has been achieved. The next level of action is for the security agencies, and I don’t want to pre-empt them.”

All 38 abducted worshippers were reportedly rescued alive, though authorities have not yet disclosed operational details or whether further action is underway against the kidnappers.

The Eruku attack has intensified public concern over rising insecurity in Kwara South and neighbouring states, renewing calls for stronger intelligence operations and community protection measures.

SaharaReporters

According to Onanuga, the bandits complied because they understood the consequences of defying government orders.

He remains in hospital after being tasered and shot by police 🚨 Read more: https://trib.al/Wno0ysb