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 the hands of kidnappers.
The victims, who were released on Saturday after weeks in captivity, are currently receiving medical care at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).
Sharing details of the visit on his official X account on Sunday, Governor Oyebanji expressed relief that the survivors were responding well to treatment, noting with gratitude that a young child among the rescued victims had regained consciousness.
He described their recovery as encouraging and reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of all residents of the state.
“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 wrote.
Oyebanji announced that the state government would shoulder the entire cost of the victims’ medical treatment as well as the psychological care required to help them recover from the traumatic experience.
According to him, the administration remains committed to ensuring that the survivors receive comprehensive healthcare and rehabilitation until they are fully restored.
The governor also reaffirmed his government’s determination to strengthen security across the state through sustained collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies.
He stressed that security should never be politicised, describing it as a fundamental right of every citizen.
“Let me be clear: security is a fundamental human right, not a political tool. We will continue to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu and our security agencies to relentlessly flush out criminal elements from our state,” Oyebanji stated.
He further commended members of the Eda-Oniyo community, security operatives and all those involved in the rescue efforts for their resilience, bravery and intelligence, assuring residents that his administration would remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property.
“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,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the community, former Ekiti State Commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, disclosed that residents had to raise ₦25.5 million to secure the release of the captives after borrowing funds, despite losing one person during the attack.
Ajayi, however, supported the state government’s position against paying ransom, warning that government involvement in ransom payments could encourage more kidnappings and embolden criminal groups.
The worshippers were abducted in April 2026 when suspected bandits invaded an open-air revival organised by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda-Oniyo.
The attackers reportedly stormed the programme at about 6:45 p.m., opened fire on worshippers and killed the revival preacher, Pastor Aregbe.
Several worshippers sustained injuries during the attack, while others were taken away by the gunmen.
Following the incident, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Alaba, revealed that some worshippers managed to escape into nearby bushes, while others were shot during the assault. He also confirmed that the remains of the slain pastor had been deposited in a morgue.
The prolonged captivity of the worshippers sparked widespread outrage across Ekiti State, prompting residents to stage protests in early June while demanding urgent action from authorities to secure their release.
The victims eventually regained their freedom on Saturday after more than two months in captivity and are now undergoing treatment and rehabilitation under the care of the Ekiti State Government.
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