After 67 Days in Captivity, Kidnapped Ekiti Worshippers Regain Freedom, One Dies in Kidnappers’ Den

Sixteen worshippers abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church in Ekiti State have regained their freedom after 67 days, but the ordeal ended in tragedy with the death of one woman in captivity.

The victims were seized during an evening service on April 28 in Eda Oniyo, a community bordering Ekiti and Kwara states. Gunmen reportedly shot the pastor before abducting the worshippers, including women and children, and forcing them into the forest.

While the Ekiti State Police Command stated the victims were rescued through coordinated security operations involving multiple agencies, community sources provided a different account. These sources claim that kidnappers received a ransom of N25.5 million, 150 liters of petrol, five bags of rice, and other food items before releasing the captives.

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I am so happy, and I am sad also. I am happy that they released the kidnapped persons. We lost one woman among them; that is what makes me sad. But we thank God for the people that came back home.

The kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion, later reducing the sum to N50 million. Despite the community raising and paying N10.5 million along with other items, the victims remained captive. Additional payments were reportedly made, totaling the N25.5 million figure cited by community sources.

The freed victims are currently receiving medical attention at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti, with the state government covering their treatment costs. Their condition is described as poor, with injuries and signs of prolonged lack of food. The Chairman of Ilejemeje LGA, Alaba Dada, expressed mixed emotions, relief at the return of most captives but sadness over the loss of one life.

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The rescued victims have since been taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment to ascertain their health condition and ensure t