Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State was thrown into wild jubilation on Tuesday as 38 released abducted residents reunited with their families.
The 38 church worshippers were abducted by armed bandits two weeks ago in Eruku community.
The worshippers had stayed in Ilorin after their release for more than a week for medical attention following the rescue operation coordinated by the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
They were handed over to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Mr Gabriel Awelewa, in Ilorin, the state capital.
The rescued worshippers arrived in Eruku at about 6:30 pm on Tuesday, where they were received with loud cheers, tears of joy, and songs of gratitude from relatives and community members.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti Local Government Chairman, Prince Dada Sunday, the Chairman, Mr. Awelewa, expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Abdulraham Abdulrazaq, the National Security Adviser, and all security agencies for the swift response that led to the rescue of the abductees.
He commended the medical attention and support provided to the victims after their release, assuring residents that his administration would continue to strengthen security architecture across the 10 wards of the local government.
The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olanrewaju also thanked all authorities involved in the rescue operation, describing the safe return of the worshippers as a huge relief for the community.
The development has brought renewed hope to residents, who say the reunion underscores the impact of coordinated security efforts in tackling criminal activities in the region.