Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, to provide comprehensive medical screening and treatment for victims abducted during a church programme in Eda Oniyo who recently regained their freedom.
The governor also instructed the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to take full responsibility for the welfare and wellbeing of the victims, with the state government covering all medical expenses incurred during their treatment.
The victims were released in the early hours of Saturday after being kidnapped on April 28, 2026, during a programme at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The attack claimed the life of a pastor, while one of the abducted persons later died in captivity.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the administration disclosed that the freed victims are currently receiving treatment at the teaching hospital.
According to the statement, they will remain under medical supervision until they are certified fit to return to their families and communities.
Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support toward efforts that led to the safe return of the victims.
He also commended heads of security agencies in the state, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, leaders of the Eda Oniyo community, the Christian Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders for their contributions to securing the victims’ release.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, the governor urged individuals politicising the incident on social media to refrain from doing so and instead work with government to promote security and development.
Oyebanji also extended condolences to the family of the victim who lost his life while in captivity, describing the incident as a tragic loss.
The release of the victims has brought relief to residents of Eda Oniyo and members of the Christian community, who had anxiously awaited positive news since the abduction occurred more than two months ago.
