Freed Ekiti Church Members: One Dies in Kidnappers' Hold

The worshippers taken during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, are now free.

Sadly, one of the victims, a woman, died while with the kidnappers.

The released victims are now getting treatment at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, paid for by the state government.

The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when armed men invaded the church during evening service in Eda Oniyo, a community on the border of Ekiti and Kwara states.

The attackers shot the pastor and took 16 worshippers, including women and children, into the forest.

Sources in the area said the kidnappers moved the victims through forests into nearby Kwara State.

The PUNCH reports that the kidnappers first asked for a ₦1bn ransom but later brought it down to ₦50m. The community raised ₦10.5m plus other items the kidnappers wanted, but the victims were still not released. This led to protests by residents and a call from the House of Representatives for their quick rescue.

Alaba Dada, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, confirmed the victims' release to PUNCH Online on Saturday but expressed sadness over the death of one captive.

"I am so happy, and I am sad also. I am happy that they released the kidnapped persons. We lost one woman among them; that is what makes me sad. But we appreciate God for the people that came back home," he said.

Dada mentioned that the victims were first taken to the General Hospital in Iye Ekiti before being moved to EKSUTH for proper medical care.

"Their condition is bad, they cannot walk, they are injured, the kidnappers beat them. They said they had not eaten for over a week. But we thank God for their release," he said.

A community leader, Ayodele Oni, said the victims' release brought great relief after weeks of worry.

He said their freedom ended about 65 days of mental and psychological torture for the community and the families of the victims.

The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, saying the victims were rescued through coordinated security operations.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the rescue came after ongoing intelligence-led operations involving the police, military, and other security groups, including the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government.

"The rescued victims have since been taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment to check their health and ensure they get proper care," the PPRO stated.

He also said efforts are ongoing to catch the kidnappers.

The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, praised all security agencies for their teamwork and thanked the state government and residents for their support during the operation.