By Deborah Nnamdi
The worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) crusade in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity.
The victims, who were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, were taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti upon their release for medical examination and treatment.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Sunday Abutu, said the victims’ rescue was the result of sustained intelligence-led operations and collaboration among multiple security agencies.
According to him, the operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government.
“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,” Abutu said.
He added that the rescued victims had been admitted to the hospital to assess their health condition and ensure they receive adequate medical care.
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, commended the dedication, professionalism, and cooperation displayed by all security stakeholders, describing their joint efforts as instrumental to the successful rescue.
He also expressed appreciation to Biodun Oyebanji and the Ekiti State Government for their continued support to security agencies, noting that the assistance significantly contributed to the operation’s success.
The police commissioner further thanked residents of the state for their vigilance and timely provision of credible information that aided security efforts.
Reacting to the development, a community representative and former commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, expressed gratitude for the victims’ safe return but revealed the enormous financial burden borne by the community.
According to Ajayi, residents borrowed heavily to raise ₦25.5 million to secure the victims’ release, despite losing one of the abducted worshippers during the ordeal.
He, however, supported the decision of the state government not to participate in the ransom payment, arguing that government involvement would have encouraged kidnappers to target the state more frequently.
Also reacting, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, described the victims’ release as bittersweet due to the death of one of those abducted.
He commended the state government for its support throughout the ordeal and said the local government had intensified security engagements, including the organisation of security summits, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The victims were abducted on April 28 after gunmen invaded a crusade organised by the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo, sparking widespread concern over insecurity in the area. Abducted Ekiti Church Worshippers Regain Freedom After Nearly Two Months in Captivity
The worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) crusade in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity.
The victims, who were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, were taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti upon their release for medical examination and treatment.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Sunday Abutu, said the victims’ rescue was the result of sustained intelligence-led operations and collaboration among multiple security agencies.
According to him, the operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government.
“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,” Abutu said.
He added that the rescued victims had been admitted to the hospital to assess their health condition and ensure they receive adequate medical care.
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, commended the dedication, professionalism, and cooperation displayed by all security stakeholders, describing their joint efforts as instrumental to the successful rescue.
He also expressed appreciation to Biodun Oyebanji and the Ekiti State Government for their continued support to security agencies, noting that the assistance significantly contributed to the operation’s success.
The police commissioner further thanked residents of the state for their vigilance and timely provision of credible information that aided security efforts.
Reacting to the development, a community representative and former commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, expressed gratitude for the victims’ safe return but revealed the enormous financial burden borne by the community.
According to Ajayi, residents borrowed heavily to raise ₦25.5 million to secure the victims’ release, despite losing one of the abducted worshippers during the ordeal.
He, however, supported the decision of the state government not to participate in the ransom payment, arguing that government involvement would have encouraged kidnappers to target the state more frequently.
Also reacting, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, described the victims’ release as bittersweet due to the death of one of those abducted.
He commended the state government for its support throughout the ordeal and said the local government had intensified security engagements, including the organisation of security summits, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The victims were abducted on April 28 after gunmen invaded a crusade organised by the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo, sparking widespread concern over insecurity in the area.
