Security Agencies Know Bandits’ Networks In Kwara — Presidency

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has disclosed that security agencies have comprehensive intelligence on the locations, and operational patterns of bandits, particularly in the Kwara axis.

Onanuga made this known on Monday during an interview on Arise News Prime Time show, where he addressed lingering questions surrounding the release of 38 abducted members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Government officials have provided little clarity on whether the worshippers who were freed on Sunday got their freedom through negotiation, a military raid, or payment of ransom, fuelling speculations particularly as no arrest of perpetrators have been announced.

Speaking on Arise TV, Onanuga confirmed that top security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military, were involved in rescuing the victims and had established direct communication with the abductors.

“After the incident happened, DSS and the military were involved in the rescue efforts. They got in contact with the bandits to release these people unharmed.

“They do have a way of tracking these people. They know how they operate in the state. So they know what’s going on at any point in time.

“What sometimes restrains them from going after them is the risk of collateral damage, because the bandits live among civilians, they must act carefully to avoid harming citizens. These people abduct our citizens and use them as shields.” Onanuga added.

Responding to concerns that the victims were freed without any arrests or disclosed ransom payment, Onanuga insisted that ensuring the safety of the abducted church members was the government’s immediate priority.

“The primary objective of the government is to free these people, which the government has achieved. As for the next level of action, it’s left for the security people to take.”

He also noted that the bandits released the victims because “They know the consequence of not acquiescing to government demand, that the government will come and pummel them.”

On Sunday, 23 November, President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State governor, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman announced the release of the 38 victims, who were abducted during a church programme in Eruku.

Although many Nigerians were happy about the safe return of the victims, there has been a growing demand for transparency and accountability from the government.

Nigerian singer, rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz also echoed this sentiment.

LEADERSHIP reports that the singer urged citizens to press for clearer answers and a public hearing into the matter.