Abducted Ekiti Worshippers Regain Freedom, One Life Lost

After weeks of anguish, the worshippers kidnapped from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, located within Ekiti State's Ilejemeje Local Government Area, have finally regained their liberty. This relief, however, comes with a heavy heart, as reports confirm that one female victim tragically passed away while held captive by the abductors. Currently, the surviving freed individuals are undergoing comprehensive medical treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, with the state government bearing the full cost.

The victims were released in the early hours of Saturday, following their abduction on April 28, 2026. On that fateful evening, armed assailants had invaded the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, a border community between Ekiti and Kwara states, during a service. The attackers shot the pastor before forcibly marching 16 worshippers, including women and children, into the dense forest. Sources within the community indicated that the kidnappers initially transported their captives through various bush paths into neighbouring Kwara State.

The PUNCH newspaper had previously reported that the abductors initially demanded a hefty ₦1 billion ransom, which was subsequently lowered to ₦50 million. Despite efforts by the community, who reportedly managed to raise and pay ₦10.5 million along with other requested items, the victims remained in captivity. This protracted ordeal spurred protests from concerned residents and led to a resolution by the House of Representatives, urging for the immediate rescue of the abductees.

Alaba Dada, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, confirmed the victims' release to PUNCH Online on Saturday. Expressing mixed emotions, he stated, "I am so happy, and I am sad also. I am happy in the sense that they released the kidnapped persons. We lost one woman among them; that is what makes me sad. But we appreciate God for the people that came back home." Dada further detailed that the victims were initially taken to the General Hospital in Iye Ekiti before being transferred to EKSUTH for more extensive medical care due to their critical condition. "Their condition is bad, they cannot walk, they are injured, the kidnappers beat them. They said they had not eaten for over a week. But we thank God for their release," he added, highlighting the severe hardship endured by the captives.

Ayodele Oni, a respected community leader, described the release as a significant relief, marking the end of approximately 65 days of mental and psychological torment for both the community and the families of the victims.

The Ekiti State Police Command officially confirmed the development in a Saturday statement, attributing the successful rescue to well-coordinated security operations. According to SP Sunday Abutu, the Police Public Relations Officer, the rescue effort was the result of sustained intelligence-led operations involving a multi-agency team: the police, military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government. "The rescued victims have since been taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment to ascertain their health condition and ensure they receive adequate medical care," the PPRO affirmed. He also stated that intensive efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators. Police Commissioner Michael Falade extended commendations to all security agencies for their collaboration and expressed gratitude for the support received from the state government and local residents throughout the operation.