•••Survivors receive medical care as police intensify manhunt for kidnappers
A wave of relief and sorrow swept through Eda Oniyo community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State as worshippers abducted during a church vigil in April regained their freedom after spending 67 days in captivity, with one of the victims confirmed dead.
The victims were kidnapped on April 28 when armed men stormed a Christ Apostolic Church prayer ground during a vigil in the border community between Ekiti and Kwara states. The attackers reportedly shot the presiding pastor before abducting several worshippers, including women and children, and taking them into a nearby forest.
The freed victims regained their liberty late Friday and were immediately taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, where they are receiving medical treatment and psychological support after enduring more than two months in captivity.
Community sources disclosed that one female captive died during the ordeal, leaving families and residents devastated. The kidnappers were said to have initially demanded a ₦1 billion ransom before later reducing the amount during negotiations.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the victims’ release, describing it as the outcome of sustained intelligence-driven operations involving the police, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and community volunteers.
The Commissioner of Police commended all security personnel and stakeholders who participated in the rescue efforts, assuring residents that security agencies were intensifying the search for the abductors and would ensure they are brought to justice.
The state government also expressed gratitude to all those involved in securing the victims’ freedom and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security across the state to prevent similar incidents.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies as efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes continue.
