Kidnapped CAC Worshippers Freed After Months in Captivity

Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has received a major relief as all the worshippers abducted several months ago have been freed and reunited with their families.

The victims, who were kidnapped while returning from a church programme, spent over four months in captivity before regaining their freedom. Sources close to the church said the release occurred late on Wednesday night through a coordinated security operation.

Confirming the development, the CAC leadership in Oyo State expressed gratitude to God and commended the security agencies involved in the rescue effort. The church described the return of its members as “a divine intervention and answer to persistent prayers from the church and the victims’ families.”

A church official, who preferred anonymity, said the freed worshippers are currently receiving medical and psychological support. “They went through a very traumatic experience. Our priority now is to ensure they are properly rehabilitated before any public statement is made,” he added.

The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official statement on the rescue operation, but a senior officer in Oyo State confirmed that the victims were freed without any ransom payment. He said intelligence-led operations played a key role in locating and securing their release.

The abduction had caused widespread concern among Christian communities in the South-West, with many churches organising prayer sessions for the safe return of the victims.

This latest rescue adds to a series of successful operations by security agencies in recent weeks, following heightened pressure from the public and religious bodies after several high-profile kidnapping incidents targeting worshippers and schoolchildren.

Stakeholders have, however, called for more sustained security measures around churches, schools, and rural communities to prevent a recurrence of such abductions.