Kwara: Freed 38 church worshippers still held in Ilorin

Kwara map

The Kwara State Government has yet to release the 38 abducted members of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State—who regained their freedom last Sunday—to their families, findings by Saturday PUNCH have revealed.

It was gathered that the worshippers were being kept in an undisclosed hotel days after completing medical examinations paid for by the state government.

The freed worshippers were abducted by bandits on November 18 during a special thanksgiving service in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

Three people were killed while another person sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

The 38 abductees were released last Sunday and taken to Ilorin by government officials. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced their release in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

Although the statement did not disclose where or how the victims were freed, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed speculation that ransom was paid, insisting the government merely negotiated with the bandits.

However, days after the announcement, the worshippers had still not been reunited with their families. Several relatives told our correspondent that they were becoming increasingly anxious over the delay. Punch