By Onibiyo Segun
‘Homecoming Of Survivors’
ERUKU, Nigeria—Fifteen days after terror shattered their worship, Eruku families finally embraced survivors of the attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku returning home safely.
The wailing started before the convoy stopped. Mothers clutching wrappers, fathers trembling, and children who had not slept well in more than a week rushed toward the buses that carried home the 38 Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State.
After nine days in government care, they returned medically stable, emotionally supported, and grateful to be alive but deeply shaken by the horror that stole their peace.
Night Of Terror
Inside the Eruku community square, the air was thick with tears and thanksgiving. The survivors, young, old, and entire family groups were abducted on November 17 when terrorists stormed the midnight worship service of CAC Oke Isegun, firing shots and dragging church members into the bush. They were freed only after intense pressure on security agencies and agonizing days of negotiation driven by terrified relatives.
Voices From Captivity
Speaking to TruthNigeria, survivor Esther Ajewole said, “the trauma lingers”, even as she reunites with her family.
Esther added, “They made us walk through the night with no rest, one meal and no water to drink. They threatened to kill anyone who fell behind. Every minute felt like our last. We only survived by God’s mercy.”
Government’s Response and Tensions
The Kwara State Government initially kept the 38 survivors under medical supervision in Ilorin, a decision that triggered anxiety among families who expected an immediate reunion.
Officials insisted that the captives needed stabilization; some were dehydrated, others physically weak from trekking long distances through the forests under constant threats from their abductors.
Community Outrage and Security Gaps
Community leader Paul Olowere told TruthNigeria that “families were relieved but angry. We thank God they are alive,” he said, “but we cannot ignore the fact that Eruku is a soft target because we lack proper border security. The terrorists moved with ease. Nothing stopped them. And nothing stops them from returning.”
Border Vulnerabilities Exposed
Security analysts said the attack exposes the glaring vulnerability of Kwara’s border with Oke-Ero, Ekiti, and Kogi states, an axis increasingly exploited by bandits, splinter insurgent cells, and kidnap-for-ransom gangs.
Mrs. Chinyere Okonkwo, a respected Security Risk Assessment Specialist based in Abuja, told TruthNigeria that “the attackers likely belonged to a mobile Mahmuda terrorists cell operating between isolated Kogi forest belts and Kwara’s weaker rural corridors.
“They aren’t new. These groups know the terrain better than security forces. They exploit gaps created by low patrol presence and poor real-time intelligence sharing across states,” she concluded.
Terrorists Mock Authorities
In captivity, the abductors reportedly mocked security agencies and warned captives that they could return at any time.
Survivor Kayode Afolabi, interviewed by TruthNigeria, said, “the terrorists boasted about their dominance. They said government cannot stop them. “They said even if they release us, they will pick others again.”
Renewed Calls For Protection
Sunday’s emotional reunion brings temporary relief, but Eruku’s fears remain.
Church leaders told TruthNigeria that worship services will continue, but under heavier caution. Many members are calling for community guards, reinforced vigilantes, and urgent state intervention to fortify border defenses.
“We have faith, but we must also be realistic,” said Pastor Samuel Adebiyi of CAC Oke Isegun told TruthNigeria. “If terrorists can enter a church and abduct 38 people, then no rural community in Kwara is truly safe.”
Kwara’s Expanding Terror Threat
Beyond Eruku, the abduction has intensified conversations across Kwara about the vulnerability of rural churches, isolated settlements, and communities sharing boundaries with Kogi, one of Nigeria’s most terror-stricken corridors in recent years. Terror cells, bandits, and foreign-linked criminal gangs have used the region as a staging ground for highway kidnappings, village assaults, and ransom-driven violence.
Local Defenders Demand Support
Despite the rescue, local security volunteers (community guards) say nothing will change until the government stations permanent armed units in the region. Hunters and vigilantes, often the first responders during attacks, admit they cannot match the firepower of militant cells moving between Kwara and Kogi.
A senior hunter Kunle Fadipe who spoke with TruthNigeria said: “We carry dane guns (hunting guns), cutlasses, bow and arrows. The terrorists have AK-47s and motorcycles. They even fly drones. We cannot fight them alone. We need to be adequately equipped, trained and supported by security operatives.”
Joy Mixed With Resolve
For now, joy overshadows fear as families cling tightly to their rescued relatives. But even as songs, ululations, and drums filled the evening air in Eruku, everyone understood the truth: without stronger border security, this victory may be temporary, and the terrorists may attempt another strike.
“Let no one deceive themselves,” said survivor Esther Ajewole, moments before leaving for home. “We need protection. We need sustained security in border towns. We never want this nightmare again.”
An Eruku chief, chief Adetunji Aremu, speaking to TruthNigeria, concluded: “This is a big relief to us as a people. Families are happy, our joy can’t be quantified. While we thank the state government, security agents and our gallant community guards, we must return all glory to God for their safe return. From here on, we must be more vigilant, pray and be prepared. We know these terrorists won’t stop, we shall not stop praying and preparing to defend ourselves.”
Onibiyo Segun reports on terrorism and conflicts for TruthNigeria.
