Relief swept through Eda Oniyo community in Ekiti State on Saturday after worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church crusade regained their freedom following more than two months in captivity.
The rescue, however, came with grief as one of the victims, a woman, reportedly died while being held by the kidnappers.
The victims, who were freed in the early hours of Saturday after spending about 67 days in captivity, are currently receiving medical attention at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, with the state government covering the cost of treatment.
The worshippers were abducted on April 28, 2026, when armed men invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) open-air crusade at Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, a border community between Ekiti and Kwara states.
During the attack, the gunmen shot the officiating pastor before marching worshippers, including women and children, into the forest.
Security sources and community leaders said the abductors later moved the victims through forest routes into neighbouring Kwara State, complicating rescue efforts and prolonging negotiations.
The abduction triggered widespread outrage across Ekiti, with residents staging protests and demanding urgent intervention from security agencies.
The case also attracted national attention after members of the House of Representatives called for intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Kidnappers were said to have initially demanded ₦1 billion ransom, before reducing the amount to ₦50 million.
Community members reportedly raised ₦10.5 million alongside other items requested by the abductors, but the victims remained in captivity despite the payment, deepening anxiety among families and residents.
Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Alaba Dada, described the victims’ release as both joyful and heartbreaking.
“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 disclosed that the victims were initially taken to the General Hospital, Iye-Ekiti, before being transferred to EKSUTH for specialised 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 added.
A community leader, Ayodele Oni, described the development as a major relief after weeks of uncertainty, fear and emotional trauma endured by the victims’ relatives and residents.
According to him, the return of the abductees brought an end to nearly 10 weeks of psychological distress in the community.
Confirming the development, the Ekiti State Police Command said the victims were rescued through sustained intelligence-led operations involving multiple security agencies.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the operation involved the police, the military, 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,” Abutu said.
He added that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators behind the attack.
The police spokesperson said Commissioner of Police Michael Falade commended all security stakeholders for their professionalism and synergy, while appreciating Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for its continued support to security agencies.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security operatives as investigations continue.
