ILORIN – Although 38 members of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, were released by bandits on November 24 following their abduction on November 18, they have not yet been reunited with their families, according to findings by Saturday PUNCH.
Sources revealed that the worshippers are being kept in an undisclosed hotel in Ilorin, undergoing medical and psychological evaluations funded by the state government.
A relative of one of the victims said, “The government told us they are taking care of them. We celebrated when they called us on Sunday to say they had been released. Everyone was dancing and thanking God. But since that day, they have yet to arrive in Eruku.”
Another relative added, “We are hearing different stories about their whereabouts. But at least we saw them in the news on Sunday with the government, and we have spoken with them on the phone. They told us they were safe. Seeing them again will gladden our hearts.”
A senior government source confirmed that no ransom was paid, emphasizing that the state is prioritizing the victims’ welfare, and assured that the worshippers would soon be returned home.