The victims abducted from the Eda-Oniyo community in the Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State have been released after approximately two months in captivity. They were taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical treatment following their arrival. The victims had been kidnapped on April 28, 2026, during an incident at the Christ Apostolic Church.
The successful rescue operation was attributed to coordinated efforts and intelligence-led operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government, according to Sunday Abutu, spokesman for the Ekiti Police Command, in a statement on Saturday.
Abutu noted that the rescued individuals have been taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment to assess their health and ensure they receive the necessary care. He also quoted the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti, Falade Michael, who praised the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork demonstrated by all security stakeholders that contributed to the successful rescue of the victims. The Ekiti State Government, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, received acknowledgment for its support of security agencies, which was noted to have significantly aided the operation’s success.
A statement from the Commissioner included gratitude towards the citizens of Ekiti State for their ongoing cooperation, vigilance, and the timely sharing of reliable information. Additionally, community representative Rufus Ajayi expressed thanks for the victim’s release, while noting that the community had to borrow extensively to raise the N25.5 million needed for the ransom. He mentioned the community faced one casualty among the worshippers during the incident.
Ajayi expressed support for the state government’s decision not to intervene in the ransom payment, suggesting that such intervention could turn the state into a target for kidnappers. Pius Alaba, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, shared his mixed feelings regarding the release of the victims and the loss of one individual. Nevertheless, he recognized the state government’s assistance and assured that the local government has participated in security summits to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The victims were taken on April 28 when armed individuals attacked worshippers during a crusade organized by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).