The abducted worshippers taken from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after more than two months in captivity, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty for their families and community. However, the rescue was overshadowed by the death of one female victim, who authorities say did not survive the ordeal.
The victims, who were released in the early hours of Saturday, are receiving medical treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti, with the state government covering the cost of their care. Local officials say many of the survivors arrived with injuries and signs of severe physical exhaustion after spending about 65 days in captivity.
The worshippers were abducted on April 28, 2026, when armed men invaded an evening service at the Christ Apostolic Church in the border community of Eda Oniyo, between Ekiti and Kwara states. During the attack, the assailants shot the church pastor before abducting 16 worshippers, including women and children, and taking them into the forest.
Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Alaba Dada, confirmed the victims’ release but expressed sadness over the loss of one of the captives. He said the survivors were first taken to the General Hospital in Iye Ekiti before being transferred to EKSUTH for specialised treatment. According to him, the victims reported being beaten by their captors and said they had gone for more than a week without food.
Community leader Ayodele Oni described the victims’ return as a moment of relief after weeks of anxiety for relatives and residents. According to him, the release ended a prolonged period of emotional and psychological distress for families who had waited for the safe return of their loved ones.
The Ekiti State Police Command, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the victims regained their freedom through coordinated security operations. The abduction had drawn widespread attention after reports that the kidnappers demanded a ransom and the incident prompted community protests as well as a resolution by the House of Representatives calling for the victims’ rescue. The latest development now shifts attention to the survivors’ recovery and ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in border communities.
