The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed relief at the news of the release of the 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku.
A statement by the party’s spokesman, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, in Ilorin on Sunday, said: “We join the families, the Eruku community, and all well-meaning Kwarans in thanking God for their safe return from the clutches of their captors.
“We also thank God Almighty for the good news and commend the courage and tireless efforts of the security agencies, particularly the local vigilantes who worked relentlessly to secure this success.”
The PDP added: “While this development brings relief to the victims’ families and all of us in Kwara State, it is important to state clearly that the safe return of abducted citizens does not erase the persistent security failures that allowed this heinous attack to occur in the first place if none of the perpetrators of this heinous crime have been arrested and publicly paraded.
“As a party, we believe the state government’s silence on the crucial details of this release is unacceptable.”
The party further demanded to know: “Were any of the terrorists who carried out the attack arrested or neutralised during the operation? A government that celebrates the release of hostages without the arrest of their captors is merely negotiating a temporary ceasefire with criminals.”
The opposition party also asked whether a ransom was paid, and if so, whether it was from public funds, adding that the government owes the people full transparency on the matter.
It also inquired about the condition of the victims, the comprehensive support the government is providing for their recovery and reintegration, and what concrete measures have been put in place by the state government to prevent another attack of this nature.
The party argued: “Security is not measured by how many abductees are released, but by how many criminals are arrested, prosecuted, and prevented from striking again.
“Until the masterminds of the attack are apprehended and their networks dismantled, Kwara communities remain vulnerable.
“The Kwara PDP maintains that the return of the Eruku 38, while bringing relief, is not a victory for governance. A true victory would be the arrest and prosecution of the criminals and the implementation of a robust, proactive security strategy that prevents such abductions altogether.”