THIS DAWN — The thirty-eight worshippers abducted during a service by armed gunmen at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun, Eruku (Ekiti LGA, Kwara State) have been rescued.
State and federal authorities say all thirty-eight worshippers have been freed after a joint security operation and negotiation efforts.
Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Tinubu publicly confirmed the victims’ release and credited coordinated security action for the outcome.
According to reports obtained by THIS DAWN, the rescued group included women and men.
The freed people have been reunited with families, while security agencies continue investigations into the attackers.
50 abducted St Mary’s Catholic School students escape
Some fifty students, out of the abducted 300 students and some staff from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri (Agaura/Agwara LGA) of Niger State, have reportedly escaped.
This medium reported that gunmen had abducted more than 300 of them, one of the largest recent mass school kidnappings in Nigeria.
Christian and local church leaders say roughly 50 students escaped from their captors and returned to families after slipping away during captivity.
Large numbers — often reported as around 253 students and 12 teachers or similar totals depending on the tally — still remain in captivity.
Meanwhile, security forces continue rescue efforts and negotiations.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and several international outlets have confirmed the escape figure and are tracking the evolving rescue and welfare response.
Context and current concerns
Both incidents form part of a growing nationwide pattern of mass abductions by bandits and terror groups targeting schools, places of worship, and communities — often for ransom or leverage.
Authorities have deployed security assets and opened investigations.
Humanitarian actors and the church are coordinating reunification and trauma support for the freed victims.
International voices, including the Pope, have appealed for the immediate and safe release of remaining captives.
What to watch out for next
Nigerians are currently expecting the official tallies from state governments and security briefings for confirmed totals and identities of the freed and remaining captives.
They are also eagerly expecting updates on rescue operations, possible claims of responsibility, and any ransom or negotiation developments.
