By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Wednesday staged a protest over the continued captivity of 16 worshippers abducted from a church on April 28. The protesters gathered in the community to demand government intervention after kidnappers allegedly refused to release the victims despite collecting N10.5 million ransom and other supplies.
Community Demands Urgent Government Action
The protesters included community leaders, women, youths, relatives and friends of the victims. They appealed to the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
Carrying placards with messages such as “President Tinubu, save us, we are perishing” and “We reject terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Eda Oniyo,” the demonstrators expressed frustration over the prolonged ordeal.
They also called for improved security infrastructure in the area. Specifically, they demanded a functional divisional police headquarters, deployment of forest guards and the establishment of a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border.
Victims Kidnapped During Church Service
Gunmen abducted the victims on April 28 during an evening service at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo. During the attack, the assailants reportedly killed the presiding pastor.
According to residents, the kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion ransom. However, they later reduced the demand to N150 million and subsequently to N50 million.
Community Raises N10.5 Million for Release
A resident, Ayodele Oni, said the community made significant sacrifices to secure the victims’ freedom.
“Our people have been kidnapped for 36 days. We contributed what we could as a community and paid ₦10.5 million ransom, but the kidnappers refused to release them. Instead, they are demanding more money,” he said.
Oni explained that residents also supplied food items and other materials requested by the abductors.
“We raised ₦10.5 million, supplied two bags of rice and several other items. They even demanded fuel, cigarettes and other provisions. We complied with all these demands, yet our people are still being held,” he added.
He further disclosed that the kidnappers recently resumed contact with the community.
“Yesterday night, we heard from them again. They are now insisting on ₦50 million despite everything we have already given them,” Oni said.
According to him, community representatives travelled through parts of Kwara and Kogi states and trekked deep into the bush before delivering the ransom.
Families Endure Trauma and Uncertainty
Oni described the emotional toll on families, noting that the victims have spent 36 days in captivity without proper shelter, healthcare or basic necessities.
“Thirty-six days in the bush without proper shelter, bathing or medical care is unbearable. Our mothers, wives and children are suffering severe trauma,” he said.
Another resident, Ajayi Ayodele, revealed that the abductees include mostly women and two young boys.
“There are 16 victims in total. Most of them are women, while two are young boys. We are pleading with the government at all levels to come to our aid and rescue our people,” he said.
Women and Children Cry for Help
Speaking during the protest, resident Bose Ajayi appealed for urgent intervention.
“We are here to plead on behalf of our community. Our people have been in captivity for 36 days,” she said.
“We have children as young as two and three years old and an elderly woman who is over 80 years old among those kidnapped. Families are suffering and children keep asking for their mothers.”
Ajayi urged the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government and local authorities to secure the victims’ release.
“We are begging the Federal Government, the state government and the local government to help secure their release. Women are crying, children are crying and the entire community is in pain,” she said.
She also stressed the need for stronger security presence in the area, arguing that inadequate security infrastructure has left the community vulnerable to repeated attacks.
