Ekiti Church Attack Victims Released After Two Months In Captivity
4th July, 2026 | News
Ekiti Church Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom After Nearly Two Months in Captivity
The worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) crusade in Eda-Oniyo Community, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when armed men invaded the church during a crusade, sparking widespread concern across the state.
Following their release, the victims were taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti for medical examination and treatment.
Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, said the rescue was the result of sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts involving multiple security agencies.
According to him, the operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.
“The successful rescue followed sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts by the Nigeria Police Force, the Military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government,” Abutu said.
He added that the rescued victims are receiving medical care to assess their health condition and ensure they receive adequate treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, commended the professionalism, dedication and collaboration among the security agencies that contributed to the successful operation.
He also expressed appreciation to the Ekiti State Government, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for its continued support of security agencies, describing it as instrumental to the success of the rescue mission.
The police commissioner further thanked residents of Ekiti State for their vigilance and for providing credible information that aided security operations.
Reacting to the victims’ release, community representative and former commissioner Rufus Ajayi expressed gratitude to God, while revealing that the community had borrowed heavily to raise ₦25.5 million to secure the victims’ freedom after one of the abductees died in captivity.
Ajayi, however, supported the Ekiti State Government’s decision not to fund the ransom payment, arguing that doing so could encourage further kidnappings in the state.
The Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, welcomed the victims’ return but described the incident as bittersweet because one of the abductees lost their life during the ordeal.
He reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to strengthening security through regular security meetings and collaboration with relevant agencies to prevent similar attacks in the future.