One dies as kidnapped Ekiti worshippers regain freedom

A group of 16 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, have been released after over two months in captivity, but their freedom is marred by the death of one captive. The freed individuals are now receiving medical attention for injuries and severe deprivation endured during their ordeal.

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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.

The worshippers were seized on the evening of April 28, 2026, when gunmen stormed the church service in the border community between Ekiti and Kwara states. The attackers reportedly shot the pastor before abducting the congregants, marching them into the forest and subsequently moving them through forests into neighboring Kwara State.

Initial ransom demands from the kidnappers were set at N1 billion, which was later negotiated down to N50 million. Despite the community raising N10.5 million and providing other items, the captives remained in detention, prompting protests and calls for their rescue.

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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.

Alaba Dada, Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, confirmed the release but expressed sorrow over the loss of one woman. He noted that the victims were in poor condition, unable to walk, injured, and had suffered beatings, with some not having eaten for over a week. The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the rescue was achieved through coordinated security operations involving multiple agencies and local support.

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