President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that all 38 worshippers abducted from a church in Eruku, Kwara State, have been successfully rescued by security forces.
The attack occurred on Tuesday when armed bandits invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch at Oke Isegun, in Eruku— a community bordering Kogi State in the Ekiti LGA of Kwara.
A video captured during the church’s livestream service showed worshippers praying moments before heavy gunfire erupted outside. As shots intensified, members of the congregation, led by a young pastor, scrambled for safety. Armed men later invaded the church, taking several worshippers away. The attack reportedly happened at about 6 p.m.
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In a statement released on X (Twitter), President Tinubu said he has been closely monitoring security operations across the country.
“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued,” he said.
Tinubu also confirmed that 51 abducted pupils of a Catholic school in Niger State have been recovered.
“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline,” he added.
“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”
The president recalled that he cancelled his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to personally oversee the country’s security response