By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday visited worshippers from Eda-Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area who regained their freedom after spending more than two months in captivity. The governor met the survivors at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), where they are receiving treatment following their release on Saturday. The victims were abducted during a deadly attack on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) revival in April 2026. Oyebanji assured them of government support, including full medical and psychological care, while reaffirming his commitment to improving security across the state.
Governor Assures Victims of Full Government Support
Sharing details of the visit on his official X account, Oyebanji expressed relief over the condition of the survivors.
According to him, the recovery of a young child who regained consciousness brought hope after the traumatic ordeal.
“Earlier today, I visited our resilient brothers and sisters from Eda Oniyo, currently recovering at EKSUTH. Seeing them stable, especially a young child who has now regained consciousness, brings profound relief and reinforces the sacred duty I bear to protect every life in Ekiti State,” he wrote.
The governor announced that the state government would cover all medical expenses and psychological rehabilitation for the victims.
“My administration has undertaken the full cost of their medical and psychological recovery,” he added.
Oyebanji Reaffirms Commitment to Security
The governor stressed that security remains a top priority for his administration.
He pledged continued collaboration with President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to eliminate criminal elements operating in Ekiti State.
“Let me be clear: security is a fundamental human right, not a political tool. We will continue to collaborate with President Tinubu and our security agencies to relentlessly flush out criminal elements from our state.”
Oyebanji also commended the Eda-Oniyo community and security operatives for their courage throughout the rescue efforts.
“I am deeply grateful to the Eda Oniyo community and our security forces for their bravery and intelligence. We will remain united, vigilant, and unyielding in our pursuit of a safe and peaceful Ekiti.”
Worshippers Spent More Than Two Months in Captivity
The victims were kidnapped in April 2026 when gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked an open-air revival organised by the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo.
The attackers stormed the programme at about 6:45 p.m. on a Tuesday. They opened fire on worshippers and killed the revivalist, Pastor Aregbe.
Several worshippers suffered injuries during the attack, while the gunmen abducted an unconfirmed number of people.
Following the incident, Ilejemeje Local Government Chairman, Pius Alaba, disclosed that some worshippers escaped into nearby bushes, while others sustained gunshot wounds. He also confirmed that authorities deposited the slain pastor’s body in a morgue.
Community Raised ₦25.5 Million Ransom
The prolonged captivity sparked protests across the community in early June after the victims remained with their abductors for several weeks.
A community representative and former commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, later revealed that residents borrowed money to raise a ₦25.5 million ransom for the victims’ release despite losing one member during the attack.
However, Ajayi supported the government’s decision not to pay ransom, warning that such payments would encourage more kidnappings and embolden criminal groups operating across the country.
