Oyebanji visits freed Ekiti kidnap victims, thanks Tinubu, security agencies

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji visited victims of a recent kidnapping who are now receiving medical attention at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti. The group, comprising women and children, regained their freedom early 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 abducted on April 28 during a program at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo. The initial attack resulted in the death of a pastor and the abduction of 16 worshippers. Tragically, one of the captives died while in captivity, leaving the remaining 15 to be released on Saturday.

Governor Oyebanji personally visited each of the victims in the hospital's emergency and children's wards. He expressed his relief at their safe return, noting that they were stable and responding well to treatment. He specifically mentioned the positive recovery of a child who had been unconscious the previous day. The governor instructed that the state would cover all medical expenses until the victims are discharged.

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I will also engage psychologists to counsel them with a view to reintegrating them with their family members.

In addition to medical care, Oyebanji announced plans to engage psychologists to provide counseling for the victims, aiming to facilitate their reintegration with their families. He extended his gratitude to God for the release, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support, and commended the efforts of security agencies and the Hunters’ Association. He also acknowledged the support from the Eda Oniyo Progressives Association and the Christian Association of Nigeria.

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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-meaning indigenes of Ekiti State who supported us in ensuring that the kidnap victims were finally released.

Governor Oyebanji also advised residents against politicizing security issues, urging them to be vigilant and supportive of one another. He cautioned against using such unfortunate incidents for political gain, emphasizing that the safety of every citizen should be a collective concern.

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We should be our brothers’ keepers. The safety of every Ekiti indigene should be our concern, and there should be a limit to politics.