Kwara PDP hails release of Eruku worshippers, faults govt over silence on abductors

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed relief over the release of the 38 abducted worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, but faulted the state government for what it described as a worrisome lack of transparency surrounding their freedom.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin, the party’s spokesman, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, said the safe return of the victims was “a welcome development for their families, the Eruku community and all well-meaning Kwarans.” He commended the security agencies and local vigilantes “whose courage and relentless efforts made the rescue possible.”

Adewara, however, cautioned that the relief should not overshadow the “obvious security lapses” that enabled the abduction in the first place.

According to the party, “The safe return of abducted citizens does not excuse the persistent failures that allowed this heinous attack to occur. If none of the perpetrators have been arrested or paraded, the underlying security threat remains unaddressed.”

The PDP queried the silence of the state government on key details of the operation, particularly whether any of the attackers were apprehended or neutralised. “A government that celebrates the release of hostages without the arrest of their abductors is merely negotiating a temporary truce with criminals,” it said.

The opposition party equally demanded clarity on whether a ransom was paid and, if so, whether public funds were involved. It also asked for information on the victims’ conditions and the scope of support being provided for their rehabilitation.

“The measure of security is not in how many abductees are rescued, but in how many criminals are arrested, prosecuted and prevented from striking again,” the party said.

It warned that until the masterminds of the attack are tracked down and their networks dismantled, communities across Kwara remain exposed.

While rejoicing over the return of the Eruku 38, the PDP insisted the development does not represent a triumph for governance. “A true victory,” it said, “would be the arrest and prosecution of the culprits and the implementation of a proactive security strategy that prevents such tragedies.”