Nigeria, Nov. 24 -- Freed worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, in Eruku, Kwara State, have described the forest where they were held as a territory firmly controlled by armed groups.

The victims were among 38 people seized during an evening service on 19 November and later freed in a joint operation confirmed by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday.

Several survivors, who spoke to TVC News and Channels Television, recounted the attack and the days spent in captivity. One of them said the assault began shortly after the prayer session opened.

"It was a sudden act, a terrifying act. That evening, after about 30 minutes of the programme, we just heard gunshots," he told TVC. He added that he initially mistook the sound for e...