Ekiti's Oyebanji Commends Tinubu, Agencies Following Kidnap Victims' Freedom

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday paid a visit to the Eda Oniyo kidnap survivors at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti. The victims are currently undergoing medical treatment after spending approximately 66 days in abduction before their recent liberation.

The group, made up of women and children, secured their freedom early on Saturday. Their ordeal began on April 28 when they were seized from a Christ Apostolic Church programme in Eda Oniyo. During the initial assault on the church, one pastor tragically lost his life, and 16 worshippers were forcibly taken into the forest by their captors. While one abductee perished during detention, the remaining 15 were successfully released on Saturday.

Governor Oyebanji toured the emergency and children’s wards of the hospital, meeting each survivor individually. He conveyed his profound joy at their liberation, noting his satisfaction that they were in stable condition and responding positively to medical care. Governor Oyebanji stated, “I am happy that they are back. I am happy that the little child who was unconscious yesterday (Saturday) is now conscious. All of them are stable, and they are responding to medical treatment. I commend the staff of EKSUTH for a job well done.” He further added, “Since yesterday (Saturday), we brought them here to take care of them and ensure that they are medically sound. I have instructed that the state will bear the cost of their treatment and everything that happens between now and when they are discharged. I will also engage psychologists to counsel them with a view to reintegrating them with their family members.”

The governor offered gratitude to God for the safe return of the victims. He also extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his invaluable assistance and lauded the dedication of various security operatives, alongside members of the Hunters’ Association, for their roles. Governor Oyebanji specifically highlighted, “I must particularly place on record my commendation for the efforts of members of the Eda Oniyo Progressives Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria and other well-meaning indigenes of Ekiti State who supported us in ensuring that the kidnap victims were finally released.”

Despite the positive development, Governor Oyebanji cautioned citizens against turning security matters into political tools. He remarked, “We should be our brothers’ keepers. The safety of every Ekiti indigene should be our concern, and there should be a limit to politics.” He continued, “I will advise our people that when things like this happen, they should not weaponise them or play politics with them. It was so shocking that some people decided to play politics with this unfortunate incident.”

It is worth recalling that on Saturday, the governor had already issued directives to the EKSUTH management for thorough medical examinations and treatment for the survivors. A statement released on Saturday in Ado Ekiti by Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, confirmed that the governor had also mandated the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to take complete charge of the victims’ welfare, with the state government committed to covering all associated medical costs. Oyebode further noted that the recently freed individuals, presently receiving care at the teaching hospital, “will remain under medical supervision until they are certified fit for reintegration with their families.”