CITIZENS COMPASS— Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday, confirmed that 38 abductees of a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), in the State, have regained their freedom.
The 38 were recently abducted in Eruku, Ekiti LGA area of the State.
This is just as the Church held a Sunday service amidst joy expressing confidence that the abducted worshippers would be freed.
Shortly after the service, the state government announced that all those abducted from the church had regained their freedom.
The Governor conveyed the message in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, His Excellency, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara Kwara.
“The Governor says this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who has personally led the efforts to free the abductees.
“The abductees were freed today, November 23. The Governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his direct initiative that made this happen.
“The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.
“The Governor also expresses appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and, of course, the Nigeria Police, which has graciously deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President.
“The Governor also thanks members of the security forces across board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident.”
In his sermon, Pastor Bamidele Lawrence preached steadfastness in the face of adversity.
“Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for us.
As a Christian, we must not fear death because Jesus Christ had promised you eternal life. He has prepared a place for us and has promised us everlasting life. Do not fear death.
“Wherever death meets you, do not deny Christ. Once you abide by this, the Prince of peace has prepared a place for you.
This world is endless but Christ kingdom does not. He said we should not allow our hearts to be troubled, especially at a time like this.
“As for our members that died, I want you to rejoice because they died at the feet of Christ. They died righteously because anyone that died because of the Gospel, such a person is a witness of Christ and the Bible tells us that their blood would cry for vengeance.
“The judgement of God will hunt all evil doers.”
He preached repentance.
Contrary to the conflicting figures of the abductees, the Church Secretary, Michael Agbabiaka, confirmed that 38 persons were abducted.
The Sunday service was held amidst tight security.
