38 Abducted Church Worshippers in Kwara Regain Freedom!

38 Abducted Church Worshippers in Kwara Regain Freedom!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Thirty‑eight members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oke‑Isegun, Eruku (Ekiti LGA of Kwara State) who were kidnapped during a violent attack have been released, the state government announced on Sunday. [1]

“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives… 38 persons who were recently abducted… have been freed today, November 23.” — Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (press statement) [2]

Key Details

• The worshippers were abducted on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, during an attack on the church service. [3]
• Initial reports indicated a ransom demand of ₦100 million per victim; this was later reduced, though details remain sketchy. [4]
• The state credited the collaborative effort of multiple security agencies and direct leadership involvement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the release. [5]
• The exact conditions of the released worshippers and how the release was achieved have not been fully disclosed. [2]

Why It Matters

The successful release offers a rare positive turn in Nigeria’s escalating pattern of mass kidnappings targeting religious institutions and civilian groups. It underscores both the severe security risks facing worshippers and the potential impact of coordinated state and federal response.

What to Watch

• Whether any ransom was paid and how its payment (or non‑payment) may affect future kidnappings.
• Ongoing rescue efforts for any still missing victims and how security operations are adjusted in Eruku and surrounding areas.
• Official communication from security agencies about arrests, intelligence breakthroughs, and preventive measures.

Citations:

1. Telegraph: telegraph.ng/news/2025/11/23/38-abducted-kwara-worshippers-have-regained-freedom-gov-abdulrazaq/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/breaking-38-victims-abducted-from-kwara-church-regain-freedom?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. PM News Nigeria: pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/11/23/breaking-38-abducted-kwara-church-worshippers-regain-freedom/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/kwara-church-holds-sobriety-service-as-bandits-reduce-ransom-to-n20m-per-victim?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Pulse Nigeria: www.pulse.ng/articles/news/local/38-worshippers-abducted-in-kwara-regain-freedom-tinubu-vows-not-to-relent-2025112407470753398?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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