The Kwara State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed with great relief the release of the 38 worshippers of Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, who were abducted by armed men. The party expressed gratitude for their safe return but stressed that the development raises serious questions about the persistent lapses in the state’s security architecture.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesman, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, in Ilorin, the PDP joined families of the victims, the Eruku community, and well-meaning citizens in thanking God for the safe release of the abductees. The statement also commended the determined efforts of security operatives and local vigilantes who worked tirelessly to secure the freedom of the victims.
According to Adewara, the joy of the moment must not overshadow the glaring security failures that enabled the attack in the first place. He noted that while the release of the abductees brings temporary relief, it does not address the fundamental issues surrounding the incident—especially the fact that none of the perpetrators appear to have been arrested or publicly identified.
The PDP criticized what it described as the state government’s “concerning silence” regarding the crucial details of the operation. The party demanded clarity on whether any of the criminals were apprehended or neutralized during the rescue effort, arguing that celebrating the release of victims without the arrest of their abductors amounts to entering a “temporary ceasefire” with criminal elements rather than confronting them.
The opposition party also questioned whether a ransom was paid to secure the freedom of the worshippers and, if so, whether public funds were used. It emphasized that the government owes the people of Kwara State full transparency on every aspect of the incident, including the welfare of the victims and the support being provided for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Additionally, the PDP asked the state government to outline concrete measures it has put in place to prevent similar attacks in the future, emphasizing that true security is measured not by the number of abductees who regain freedom, but by the number of criminals arrested, prosecuted, and stopped from threatening communities again.
The statement further read:
“Until the masterminds and foot soldiers responsible for this attack are arrested and their networks completely dismantled, Kwara communities remain exposed to renewed assaults. The return of the Eruku 38 is a relief but it is NOT a victory for governance. A true victory would involve the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, the strengthening of intelligence systems, and the implementation of a robust, proactive security strategy that prevents such tragedies from occurring at all.”
The party reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the safety and security of all Kwarans and urged the government to move beyond surface-level celebrations and instead prioritize long-term, strategic solutions to insecurity across the state.
