Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has visited the worshippers from Eda-Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area who recently regained their freedom after spending more than two months in captivity.
The governor visited the survivors on Sunday at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), where they are receiving medical attention following their release on Saturday.
Sharing details of the visit on his official X account, Oyebanji expressed relief over the victims’ recovery, noting that a young child among the survivors had regained consciousness.
“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,” the governor stated.
Oyebanji announced that the state government would fully fund the victims’ medical treatment and psychological rehabilitation to support their recovery.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, stressing that the safety of residents remains a top priority.
“Security is a fundamental human right, not a political tool. We will continue to collaborate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies to relentlessly flush out criminal elements from our state,” he said.
The governor also commended the Eda-Oniyo community and security agencies for their resilience and coordinated efforts that contributed to the victims’ release.
A community representative and former commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, disclosed that residents borrowed money to raise the ₦25.5 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers, despite losing one member of the community during the ordeal. He, however, supported the government’s policy against paying ransom, warning that it could encourage more abductions.
The worshippers were abducted in April 2026 when suspected bandits attacked an open-air revival organised by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda-Oniyo. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the congregation, killing the revivalist, Pastor Aregbe, injuring several worshippers, and abducting others.
The incident triggered widespread outrage across Ekiti State, with residents staging protests after the victims remained in captivity for several weeks.
