Kidnapped Ekiti worshippers regain freedom, one dies in captivity

The worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom.

However, one of the victims, a woman, died while in the custody of the kidnappers.

The freed victims are currently receiving treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, at the expense of the state government.

The victims, released in the early hours of Saturday, were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when gunmen invaded the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, a border community between Ekiti and Kwara states, during an evening service.

The attackers shot the pastor before abducting 16 worshippers, including women and children, and marched them into the forest.

Sources in the community said the abductors initially moved the victims through forests into neighbouring Kwara State.

The PidomNigeria reports that 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 to PidomNigeria Online on Saturday but lamented 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 said the victims 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, the kidnappers beat them. They said they had not eaten for over a week. But we thank God for their release,” he said.

A community leader, Ayodele Oni, described the victims’ release as a huge relief after weeks of anxiety.

He said their release ended about 65 days of mental and psychological torture for the community and the victims’ families

Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Ekiti State Police Command said the victims were rescued through coordinated security operations.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the rescue followed sustained intelligence-led operations involving 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 added that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the abductors.

The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, commended all security agencies for their collaboration and appreciated the support of the state government and residents in the operation.