The kidnapped victims of the Eda-Oniyo community of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Ekiti State, have been released after about two months in captivity.
Upon their arrival, the victims, who were abducted on April 28, 2026, during an attack at the Christ Apostolic Church, were taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti (EKSUTH), for treatment, reports Channels TV.
“The successful rescue followed sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts by the Nigeria Police Force, the Military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government,” the spokesman of the Ekiti Police Command, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement on Saturday.
“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.”
Abutu quoted the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti, Falade Michael, as commending the dedication, professionalism, and synergy exhibited by all security stakeholders whose collective efforts led to the rescue of the victims.
He appreciated the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for its support of the security agencies, which “greatly contributed to the success of the operation”.
“The Commissioner also thanks the good people of Ekiti State for their continuous cooperation, vigilance, and timely provision of credible information,” the statement read in part.
Meanwhile, a representative of the community, Rufus Ajayi, has appreciated God for the release of the victims.
Ajayi, a former Commissioner in the state, lamented that the community had borrowed so much money before they could raise N25.5m to secure their release despite recording one casualty among the worshippers.
He, however, has thrown his weight behind the state government for not intervening in the ransom payment, adding that the kidnappers would turn the state into their honeypot if the Ekiti State government had supported it.
The Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, expressed his mixed feelings towards their release as well as the death of one of the victims.
But he appreciated the state government for its support and assured that the local government has been involved in security summits in making sure that such occurrences do not repeat themselves.
The victims were abducted on April 28 when gunmen attacked worshippers during a crusade organised by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
