The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the release of 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, who were recently abducted. In a statement, the party’s spokesman, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, expressed relief and thanked God for the safe return of the victims. The PDP also commended the efforts of security agencies, particularly local vigilantes, for their role in securing the release.

The abducted worshippers were freed after being held captive, and their release has brought relief to their families and the wider community in Kwara State. However, the PDP has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the release, including the lack of information about whether any of the perpetrators were arrested or neutralized during the operation.

The party is seeking transparency from the state government, asking whether a ransom was paid and, if so, whether it was from public funds. The PDP is also inquiring about the condition of the victims and the support being provided for their recovery and reintegration. Furthermore, the party wants to know what measures are being taken to prevent similar attacks in the future.

The PDP’s statement emphasizes that the release of abducted citizens does not erase the security failures that allowed the attack to occur in the first place. The party argues that true security is measured by the number of criminals arrested, prosecuted, and prevented from striking again, rather than just the number of abductees released.

The incident has highlighted concerns about security in Kwara State, with the PDP calling for a more robust and proactive security strategy to prevent such abductions. The party maintains that the return of the Eruku 38, while a positive development, is not a victory for governance until the masterminds of the attack are apprehended and their networks dismantled.

The release of the abducted worshippers is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address security challenges in Kwara State. As the state government continues to grapple with these challenges, the PDP’s concerns about transparency and accountability are likely to remain a key part of the conversation. The incident has also underscored the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to security, one that prioritizes the prevention of such attacks and the prosecution of those responsible.