Oyebanji assures full care for Ekiti kidnap survivors

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji personally visited victims of a recent kidnapping incident who are now receiving medical attention at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti. The group, comprising women and children, regained their freedom on Saturday after being held captive for approximately 66 days.

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I am happy that they are back. I am happy that the little child who was unconscious yesterday (Saturday) is now conscious. All of them are stable, and they are responding to medical treatment. I commend the staff of EKSUTH for a job well done.

The victims were initially abducted on April 28 during a church program at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo. The attack resulted in the death of a pastor at the scene, and 16 individuals were taken by the abductors. Tragically, one of the captives died while in captivity, leaving 15 survivors who were released on Saturday.

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I have instructed that the state will bear the cost of their treatment and everything that happens between now and when they leave here. I will also talk to psychologists to talk to them with a view to integrating them with their family members.

Governor Oyebanji, who visited the victims in the emergency and children’s wards, expressed his relief at their safe return. He noted that the survivors were in stable condition and responding well to medical treatment, highlighting the improved consciousness of a child who had been unconscious the previous day. The governor assured the victims that the state government would cover all their medical expenses and provide psychological support for their reintegration into their families.

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I must particularly place on record my commendation for the efforts of members of the Eda Oniyo Progressives Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria and other well-spirited indigenes of Ekiti State who supported us in ensuring that the kidnap victims were finally released.

He extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and commended the efforts of security agencies, local hunters, and community members, including the Eda Oniyo Progressives Association and the Christian Association of Nigeria, for their roles in securing the victims' release. Governor Oyebanji also cautioned against the politicization of insecurity, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in addressing such challenges.

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I will advise our people that when things like this happen, people should not weaponise it or play politics with it. It was so shocking that some people decided to play politics with this unfortunate incident.