One of the freed 38 kidnap victims from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, has said that terrorists now dominate the entire area and neighbouring states.
MyNigeria reported that Fulani terrorists stormed the church while worshippers were praying, and killed some while abducting 38 others, who regained their freedom on Sunday.
Speaking to newsmen after regaining his freedom, one of the 38 spoke about the experience in the bush where the terrorists took them to, saying, “It was unimaginable.”
He also revealed that the terrorists were so bold and certain that any one of their captives who tried to escape would be caught because their men dominate the entire forest.
He said, “They made us know that there’s no way we can slip away without being caught. With what we saw, nobody could escape from that place they dominate. They know all the routes and bushes within and surrounding Kwara and other states nearby.’
Meanwhile, in a terse statement on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu expressed delight that the abductees regained their freedom.
He said, “My fellow Nigerians, you will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home.
“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.”
Tinubu also expressed delight that 51 out of the missing students abducted by terrorists from a Catholic School in Niger State have been recovered.
“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.
“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,” he said.
The President had earlier announced his directive to security agencies to act swiftly and rescue girls kidnapped by terrorists from a school in Kebbi State.
He added, “I am fully apprised of the recent uptick in violent extremism in pockets across the country, and I have directed our security agencies to respond with urgency, clarity, and decisive action. Our forces need the full cooperation of every community. Sharing information can save lives and protect our children.”
Meanwhile, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed immense gratitude to President Tinubu for his direct initiative that made the freedom of the 38 worshippers happen on Sunday, November 23.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor expressed delight that the cancellation of the President’s trip to the G20 Meeting in South Africa due to security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi states is paying off.
He said the President had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, underscoring his firm commitment to the safety and well-being of the people and Nigerians as a whole.
Ajakaye said the governor also expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and the Nigeria Police, which have graciously deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President.
He said AbdulRazaq also thanked members of the security forces across board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident.
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