6th July, 2026 | News

Governor Oyebanji Visits Freed Ekiti Church Kidnap Victims, Pledges Full Medical Support

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has visited the worshippers from Eda-Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area who 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) in Ado-Ekiti, where they are receiving medical treatment following their release on Saturday.

Sharing details of the visit on his official X account, Oyebanji expressed relief over the victims’ condition, revealing that one of the rescued children 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 wrote.

Oyebanji announced that the state government would cover the full cost of the victims’ medical treatment and psychological rehabilitation to aid their recovery.

“My administration has undertaken the full cost of their medical and psychological recovery,” he said.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state, stressing that protecting lives and property remains a top priority.

“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,” he stated.

He commended members of the Eda-Oniyo community and security agencies for their resilience and efforts, pledging to sustain collaboration aimed at ensuring lasting peace and security across Ekiti State.

A community representative and former commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, disclosed that residents had to borrow money to raise ₦25.5 million as ransom for the victims’ release after one of the abductees was killed during the ordeal.

Ajayi, however, backed the state government’s decision not to pay the ransom, warning that doing so could encourage further kidnappings.

The worshippers were abducted in April 2026 when gunmen suspected to be 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 sparked widespread outrage across Ekiti State, with residents staging protests in June to demand the safe return of the victims and improved security in the area.