The worshippers abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after spending 67 days in captivity.
One of the victims, a woman, died while being held by the kidnappers, casting a shadow over the return of the other captives.
The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when armed men invaded the church during an evening service in the border community between Ekiti and Kwara states. The attackers reportedly shot the pastor and marched 16 worshippers, including women and children, into the forest.
The Ekiti State Police Command said the victims were rescued through coordinated security operations. However, community sources claimed the kidnappers collected N25.5 million, 150 litres of petrol, five bags of rice, cartons of noodles and other food items before the victims were released.
Community sources said the abductors first moved the victims through forest routes into neighboring Kwara State. They initially demanded N1 billion, later reduced the demand to N50 million, and reportedly held the victims even after the community raised N10.5 million and supplied some of the items requested.
The Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Alaba Dada, confirmed the release of the victims and expressed mixed feelings over the outcome.
He said the joy of their freedom was diminished by the death of one of the captives, adding that the survivors returned in poor condition after weeks of abuse and hunger.
According to him, the victims were first taken to the General Hospital in Iye Ekiti before being transferred to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, for comprehensive medical attention.
Dada said many of the victims could barely walk, while some had injuries allegedly inflicted by the kidnappers. He added that the victims said they had gone for more than a week without food before their release.
A community leader, Ayodele Oni, described the development as a major relief after weeks of fear and uncertainty in the community.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti State, SP Sunday Abutu, said in a statement that the rescue followed sustained intelligence driven operations involving the police, military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the state government.
Abutu said the victims had been taken to hospital for examination and treatment, while security agencies had intensified efforts to arrest those responsible for the abduction.
The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, commended the collaboration among security agencies and appreciated the support of the state government and residents during the operation.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has directed the management of EKSUTH to provide full medical screening and treatment for the victims at no cost to them.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, the governor also directed the Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee the welfare of the victims, with the state government bearing all medical bills.
Oyebanji thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support towards the safe return of the victims and commended security chiefs, traditional rulers, leaders of Eda Oniyo, the Christian Association of Nigeria in Ekiti State and other stakeholders who assisted in securing their freedom.
