The Ekiti State Police Command says it has rescued the worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state, more than two months after they were taken by suspected gunmen.
The command's spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, announced the development in a statement on Saturday, saying the victims were freed through sustained intelligence-led operations involving the police, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government.
According to the police, the rescued worshippers have been taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye, commended the security agencies for their professionalism and collaboration, describing the successful operation as a result of effective inter-agency synergy.
He also appreciated Governor Biodun Oyebanji for supporting security agencies in the state and thanked residents for providing credible information that aided the rescue operation.
The commissioner said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction, while reaffirming the command's commitment to protecting lives and property. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
The victims were abducted on April 28, 2026, when suspected gunmen invaded an overnight Christ Apostolic Church service in Eda-Oniyo. The attackers killed the presiding pastor and kidnapped 16 worshippers, including women, children, and an elderly woman.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦1 billion ransom before reducing it to ₦50 million. Although the community reportedly raised and paid ₦10.5 million alongside other items demanded by the abductors, the victims remained in captivity, sparking protests by residents and prompting the House of Representatives to call for their immediate rescue.
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