Worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Ekiti State, have been released.
However, one of the victims, a lady, died while under the kidnappers’ captivity.
The released victims are currently undergoing treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, at the expense of the state government.
The victims, who were liberated early Saturday, were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, a border village between Ekiti and Kwara, during an evening worship.
The terrorists shot the pastor before kidnapping 16 congregants, including women and children, and marching them into the jungle.
According to community sources, the abductors initially transported the victims via woodlands into adjacent Kwara State.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦1bn ransom, later reducing it to ₦50m. Although the community reportedly raised and paid ₦10.5m alongside other items demanded by the abductors, the victims remained in captivity, prompting protests by residents and a resolution by the House of Representatives calling for their immediate rescue.
Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Alaba Dada, confirmed the victims’ release on Saturday but expressed sadness over the death of one of the captives.
“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,” he said.
Dada stated that the released worshippers were initially taken to the General Hospital in Iye Ekiti before being transferred to EKSUTH for comprehensive medical care.
“Their condition is bad; they cannot walk, they are injured, and the kidnappers beat them. They said they had not eaten for over a week. But we thank God for their release,” he said.
Ayodele Oni, a community leader, said the victims’ release was a big relief after weeks of concern.
He stated that the release of the worshippers marked the end of about 65 days of mental and psychological suffering for the community and victims’ families.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, saying the victims were rescued through coordinated security operations.
SP Sunday Abutu, the police public relations officer, stated that the rescue was the result of prolonged intelligence-led efforts by 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 stated.
He also stated that efforts had been increased to apprehend the abductors.
The police spokeswoman stated that the commissioner of police, Michael Falade, praised the security agencies for their cooperation and thanked the state government and inhabitants for their assistance in the operation.
