Consternation, shock trail mystery release of Eruku Church abductees, as the public ask, ‘Where are the kidnappers?’

The announcement of the release of the 38 worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State has continued to generate widespread reactions, despite Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commendation of President Bola Tinubu’s direct involvement in securing their freedom.

 

The Governor, who described the development as “wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Tinubu,” revealed that the abductees were freed on November 23 after days of security operations coordinated at the highest levels of government. He also praised the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four tactical teams to the state on presidential directive, reports Gwg online newspaper.

 

He added that the President had earlier cancelled his planned trip to the G20 Meeting in South Africa to focus on breaches in Kwara and Kebbi, a decision he said demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to citizens’ safety.

 

But the public mood remains divided, with many Nigerians on X questioning the lack of arrests and transparency surrounding the rescue operation.

 

One user, *@layinosabi, asked: *“How did you rescue people without arresting at least one of the captors?”

 

Similarly, @InnnnHoliday urged authorities to prioritise victims’ wellbeing, saying: “Please make sure those kids go to the hospital, especially the girls.”

 

Others expressed deeper concern about the pattern of abductions and releases. @Atobajaye25 wrote: “Three lives were lost and people were traumatized… yet the government says the victims returned home freely with no arrests. What’s going on?”

 

@PrimeMedia247 questioned the absence of confrontation: “How did terrorists release kidnapped persons without a single casualty or gun battle? Indulge me, please.”

 

Doubts about possible ransom payments also featured strongly. @NAnjolaoluwa argued: “It’s becoming obvious the government is paying ransom to secure victims’ freedom.”

 

Another user, *@Gassol0001, dismissed the official narrative entirely: *“Tinubu cancel G20 to rescue Eruku people? Audio saviour! Dem pay ransom finish, now dey shout hands-on.”

 

Concerns about the broader security architecture were also raised. @mightyvoicee lamented the recurring pattern of “rescued” victims without accountability, saying: “38 worshippers recovered, 51 students recovered — yet not one terrorist arrested.”

 

@murimoha echoed this, adding: “If the terrorists weren’t held accountable, this is not a win.”

 

Some questioned whether the President deserved praise at all. @KEzediegwu wrote: “Rescuing kidnapped people is part of his fundamental duty.”

 

@GabrielNaija demanded clarity: “How many terrorists were arrested? Or how much ransom was paid?”

 

Others expressed frustration at a perceived lack of systemic solutions. @ifeeadieze noted: “We need a proactive solution, not a cycle of abduction and buy-over.”

 

And @blounch01 insisted: “Where are the abductors? They must be held accountable.”

 

Despite the mixed reactions, security operations remain ongoing in parts of Kwara, with authorities promising improved deployments in vulnerable communities.