Governor assures survivors of government support as victims recover after more than two months in kidnappers’ captivity.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has visited worshippers from Eda-Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area who recently 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), where they are receiving medical treatment following their release on Saturday.
Sharing details of the visit on his official X account, Oyebanji expressed relief that the victims were responding to treatment, noting that a young child among them had regained consciousness. He also announced that the state government would cover the full cost of their medical treatment and psychological rehabilitation.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, pledging continued collaboration with President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements. He also praised the Eda-Oniyo community and security operatives for their resilience and efforts in securing the victims’ release.
A community representative, Rufus Ajayi, revealed that residents borrowed money to raise ₦25.5 million as ransom despite losing one of the abductees. He, however, supported the government’s stance against paying ransom, warning that it could encourage more kidnappings.
The worshippers were abducted in April 2026 when suspected bandits attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) revival in Eda-Oniyo, killing the officiating minister, Pastor Aregbe, injuring several worshippers and taking others hostage. Their prolonged captivity sparked protests by residents before they were eventually freed.