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State govt provides free medical care for freed victims
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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
After spending more than two months in the den of kidnappers, worshippers abducted in a church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom.
One of the victims, a woman, however, died while in the kidnappers’ den.
The victims, who were freed in the early hours of Saturday, are currently receiving treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti.
The victims, including women and children, were abducted on April 28, 2026, when gunmen invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the community during a revival programme.
The gunmen shot dead a guest pastor before whisking away 16 worshippers into the forest.
Confirming the development, the Ekiti State Police Command said the victims were rescued following joint and coordinated efforts of the police, military and other sister security agencies.
According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, on Saturday, he said the State Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, hailed the dedication and synergy of the various security agencies involved in the rescue operation.
The statement, titled “Kidnapped victims at Eda-Oniyo rescued”, reads:
“The Ekiti State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the victims who were abducted on 28th April, 2026, during an attack at the Christ Apostolic Church, Eda-Oniyo, have been successfully rescued.
“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.
“The rescued victims have since been taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment to ascertain their health condition and ensure they receive adequate medical care.
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“The Commissioner of Police, CP FALADE ADEGOROYE MICHEAL, commends the dedication, professionalism and synergy exhibited by all security stakeholders whose collective efforts culminated in the successful rescue of the victims.
“He particularly appreciates the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for its unwavering support to the security agencies, which greatly contributed to the success of the operation. The Commissioner also thanks the good people of Ekiti State for their continuous cooperation, vigilance and timely provision of credible information.
“While efforts are currently being intensified to arrest the perpetrators, the Commissioner of Police reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. He urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police and other security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious person or activity to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency number: 08062335577.”
Meanwhile, the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the management of EKSUTH, Ado-Ekiti, to provide comprehensive medical care for the victims.
In a statement by Olayinka Oyebode, Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, the state government pledged to pay all medical expenses incurred during the treatment.
The statement, titled “EKSG provides free medical care for freed kidnap victims”, reads:
“Following the release of the Eda Oniyo kidnap victims, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, to provide comprehensive medical screening and treatment for the victims.
“The Governor also instructed the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to take full responsibility for overseeing the welfare and wellbeing of the victims, with the state government covering all medical expenses incurred during their treatment.
“The rescued victims are currently receiving care at the teaching hospital and will remain under medical supervision until they are certified fit for reintegration with their families.
“Governor Oyebanji expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in ensuring the safe return of the victims. He also commended heads of all security agencies in the state, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, leaders of the Eda Oniyo community, and the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), along with other stakeholders, for their roles in securing the victims’ release.
“While reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, the governor urged individuals politicising the unfortunate incident on social media to desist and instead collaborate with the government in building a safer and more prosperous state.
“The Governor also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of one of the victims who tragically lost her life while in captivity.”
