Relief and celebration swept through Eda-Oniyo community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Saturday as worshippers abducted during a church crusade regained their freedom after spending about two months in captivity.
The victims, who were kidnapped on April 28 when armed men invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) crusade, were immediately taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, for medical evaluation and treatment following their release.
The Ekiti State Police Command attributed the successful operation to sustained intelligence gathering and close collaboration among security agencies.
According to the police, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the military, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and other security outfits worked together with the Ekiti State Government to secure the victims’ freedom.
Police Commissioner Michael Falade praised the commitment and professionalism displayed by all security operatives involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a product of effective teamwork and coordinated intelligence.
He also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for providing continuous support to security agencies, while appreciating residents of the state for remaining vigilant and supplying timely information that aided the operation.
Despite the joyful reunion, members of the affected community described the experience as painful and costly.
Community representative and former commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, disclosed that residents had to raise about N25.5 million to secure the victims’ release, borrowing heavily in the process.
He also revealed that one of the abducted worshippers lost his life during the ordeal.
Ajayi, however, supported the state government’s decision not to finance the ransom, arguing that official involvement in such payments could encourage more kidnappings and embolden criminal groups.
Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, expressed mixed emotions over the victims’ return, saying the joy of their release was overshadowed by the loss of a member of the community.
He assured residents that the council would continue to work with security agencies through regular security engagements to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The victims’ release marks the end of a traumatic chapter for the Eda-Oniyo community, which has continued to call for stronger security measures to protect lives and places of worship across the state.
