Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The 38 abducted members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun, Eruku, who were rescued from bandits on Sunday, are currently receiving medical care at the Kwara State Government House clinic.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, while receiving the freed victims, said their rescue did not signal an end to the fight against insecurity in the country.
“It is not yet Uhuru. We won’t celebrate until the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls regain their freedom,” the Governor said.
It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid to secure their release.
Reports indicate that the rescued victims, visibly exhausted after several days in captivity, arrived in a long bus escorted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). Governor AbdulRazaq briefly interacted with them before they were taken for medical evaluation and treatment.
The Governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal support that aided the rescue operation but maintained that the state would only fully rejoice when every abducted Nigerian, especially the Kebbi schoolgirls, is safely reunited with their families.
The victims are expected to spend the night at the Government House pending medical clearance, after which arrangements will be made for their return to their families in Eruku.
One of the freed abductees, Bamidele Emmanuel, recounted the traumatic experience, saying the gunmen struck just as the church’s thanksgiving service commenced.
“They surrounded the church. Three people were killed and some were injured,” he said.
He narrated how the captives were marched deep into the forest and warned against attempting to escape.
“The experience was harrowing,” he added.
