Kwara PDP Celebrates Freedom of Eruku Abductees and Calls for Perpetrators' Arrest

Table of Contents

• Release News
• Gratitude Expressed
• Security Concerns
• Transparency Issues
• Victims' Support
• Conclusion

The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed relief at the announcement regarding the release of the 38 worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku.

A statement from the party’s spokesperson, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, in Ilorin on Sunday, stated: “We join the families, the Eruku community, and all well-meaning Kwarans in thanking God for their safe return from the hands of their captors.”

“We also express our gratitude to God Almighty for this positive news and commend the bravery and relentless efforts of the security agencies, particularly the local vigilantes, who worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome.”

The PDP further noted: “While this development brings relief to the families of the victims and to all of us in Kwara State, it is essential to emphasize that the safe return of abducted individuals does not erase the ongoing security failures that allowed this heinous attack to happen in the first place, especially if none of the perpetrators have been arrested and publicly displayed.”

“As a party, we find the state government’s silence on the critical details surrounding this release to be unacceptable.”

The party also demanded clarification: “Were any of the terrorists involved in the attack apprehended or neutralized during the operation? A government that celebrates the release of hostages without the arrest of their captors is merely engaging in a temporary truce with criminals.”

Additionally, the opposition party inquired whether a ransom was paid, and if so, whether it came from public funds, stressing that the government owes the public complete transparency regarding this issue.

They also questioned the condition of the victims, the comprehensive support the government is providing for their recovery and reintegration, and what specific measures have been implemented by the state government to prevent future attacks of this nature.

The party asserted: “Security should not be judged by the number of abductees released, but rather by the number of criminals arrested, prosecuted, and prevented from committing further crimes.”

“Until the masterminds behind the attack are captured and their networks dismantled, the communities in Kwara will remain at risk.”

“The Kwara PDP insists that while the return of the Eruku 38 brings relief, it does not signify a victory for governance. A true victory would be the arrest and prosecution of the criminals involved and the establishment of a robust, proactive security strategy that prevents such abductions from occurring in the future.”