Nearly a week after 38 abducted worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were rescued, the victims have still not been returned to their families—raising questions about procedural transparency, victims’ rights, and state handling of post-rescue care.
The worshippers were seized on November 18 during a thanksgiving service in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. The attack left three people dead and another injured.
Following negotiations with the kidnappers—an approach acknowledged by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga—state officials transported the freed victims to Ilorin for medical assessment.
Despite official confirmation of their release, relatives say that since the victims were moved to Ilorin, there has been no physical reunion. Multiple family members told reporters that government officials informed them the victims were receiving care but gave no definite timetable for their return.
One relative described the wait as emotionally exhausting:
“We rejoiced when we heard they were safe, but days have passed and they haven’t come home. We just want to see them again.”
Another noted that inconsistent information about their exact location had heightened community anxiety.
A senior Kwara State official confirmed that the victims remain in government-arranged accommodation while undergoing further medical and psychological evaluation.
According to the official, many of the abducted worshippers—particularly children and elderly individuals—experienced significant trauma and require comprehensive support before reintegration.
State authorities continue to insist that no ransom was paid and no financial contributions were demanded from families.
Residents of Eruku expressed appreciation for the rescue effort but urged the government to fast-track the return process. Community leaders say proper emotional and communal healing can only begin once the victims are back among their families.
The prolonged custody of the victims has triggered discussions among legal observers about procedural safeguards, the limits of state authority in post-rescue situations, and the rights of victims to timely reunification—especially when no legal reasons for continued separation have been publicly stated.
