Joy Yesufu and Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of worshippers abducted during a deadly attack on a Christ Apostolic Church service in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state, nearly two months after they were taken captive.
The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when suspected gunmen invaded an overnight church programme, killed the presiding pastor and abducted 16 worshippers, including women, children and an elderly woman.
Announcing the development on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, said the victims were rescued through sustained intelligence-led operations involving the police, military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.
According to him, the rescued worshippers have been taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment.
Abutu said the Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye, commended all security agencies involved in the operation, describing the rescue as the result of effective collaboration and professionalism.
He also appreciated Governor Biodun Oyebanji for supporting security operations in the state and thanked residents whose information assisted the rescue efforts.
The abduction had sparked widespread concern across Ekiti and beyond after the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ₦1bn ransom, which was later reduced to ₦50m.
Despite reports that the community raised and paid ₦10.5m alongside other items demanded by the abductors, the victims remained in captivity, triggering protests by residents and prompting the House of Representatives to call for their immediate rescue.
Adegoroye said efforts were continuing to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies.
