A member of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) from Eruku, Kwara State, who was recently released from captivity, has provided a detailed account of the terrifying experience he and other hostages endured while in the hands of armed bandits in a remote forest. His testimony sheds light on the conditions that made the ordeal psychologically and physically grueling for all the captives involved, highlighting the level of control and intimidation exerted by the perpetrators throughout the entire period of captivity.
The recent rescue of all 38 abducted worshippers was officially confirmed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who revealed that security forces had successfully secured their freedom on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The President’s announcement followed several days of anxiety and uncertainty for the victims’ families and the local community, who had been in constant contact with law enforcement and government authorities during the tense period of negotiations and operations.
Victim recounts ordeal
According to the survivor, the captors established a strict and oppressive environment from the moment they were seized. He explained that the bandits made it explicitly clear that any attempt to escape would be futile, as they had total command over the territory. The hostages quickly understood the reality of their situation: the forested area where they were held was heavily monitored and virtually inescapable due to the bandits’ intimate knowledge of the land and surrounding paths.
“It was unimaginable because when we got there, we really knew that it was a dominated area,” he said. “Even they had to tell themselves that we are bandits and made us understand that there is no one who can just slip away. And with what we saw, nobody could escape. They know all the routes surrounding all those bushes within Kwara and other cities.”
Terrorists brag about their knowledge of the terrain
The victim further described the forest as being under strict surveillance, with the bandits openly boasting about their command over the area. They demonstrated their ability to monitor and track any movement within the vicinity, leaving the captives in a continuous state of fear and psychological pressure. The constant vigilance imposed by the abductors meant that even simple movements were fraught with danger, reinforcing the captives’ sense of helplessness and vulnerability during the days they were held.
He added that the bandits were strategic and highly organized, often using their knowledge of the terrain to intimidate the hostages and manipulate their perception of potential escape routes. The captives were forced to remain compliant under threat of immediate violence, which amplified the tension and fear experienced by everyone in the group. In addition to the physical threat, the psychological strain of being in a remote, controlled environment took a significant toll on the victims, leaving many traumatized even after their release.
A total of 38 worshippers were abducted from the Eruku CAC on Tuesday, 18th of November, 2025. They endured multiple days of captivity in the forest, during which families anxiously awaited news of their safe return. The successful release on Sunday, November 23, 2025, not only brought relief to the victims and their families but also drew national attention to the persistent issue of kidnappings and insecurity across Nigeria. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger measures to prevent such attacks and protect vulnerable communities from similar threats in the future.
The survivor’s account underscores the importance of comprehensive security measures, the risks faced by civilians in remote areas, and the urgent need for continued vigilance and coordinated action by law enforcement agencies to prevent further kidnappings and ensure the safety of all citizens.