One dies in captivity as police rescue abducted Ekiti worshippers

The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the death of one of the worshippers abducted during an attack on a church in Ekiti State, while announcing the rescue of the remaining victims. The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when gunmen attacked Christ Apostolic Church, Eda-Oniyo during a worship service.

The command’s spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement that the victims were rescued through sustained intelligence-led operations carried out by the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.

Abutu said the rescued worshippers had been taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment to assess their health condition following their release. The Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, commended the professionalism and cooperation of all security agencies involved in the operation, saying their joint efforts led to the successful rescue of the victims.

He also praised the Ekiti State Government, led by Biodun Oyebanji, for its continued support to security agencies, describing it as a key factor in the success of the rescue mission. The police commissioner further thanked residents of the state for their vigilance and for providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

Abutu said efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, while assuring residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state. He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.