One dies as abducted Ekiti worshippers regain freedom after 65 days in captivity

The worshippers abducted during a church service in Ekiti State have regained their freedom after spending 65 days in captivity.
However, one of the victims, a woman, died in captivity ,a development that has thrown her family and residents of Eda, in Ekiti State into mourning.

The freed victims are currently receiving treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, at the expense of the state government,after sustaining various degrees of injuries and several depression while in captivity.

Emerald news gathered that the victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when gunmen invaded Christ Apostolic Church in Eda,a community between Ekiti and Kwara State, during an evening church service.

The assailants shot the pastor and thereafter, abducted 16 worshippers including women and children, forcing their way to a forest in neighbouring Kwara State.

Though the kidnappers had demanded #1billion ransom abinitio, they later reduced it to #50 million.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Police Command said the victims were rescued through coordinated security operations,but community sources disclosed that the kidnappers allegedly collected #25.5 million ransom,150 litres of petrol,5bags of rice , cartoons of noodles and other food items before releasing their victims..

The chairman of Illejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, confirmed the victims release on Saturday July 4, 2026, but decried the death of one of the victims in captivity.

The development once again, underscores the worsening security situation in Nigeria.
In fact, insecurity has become a recurring decimal in the country, raising concerns on the failure of government to protect the lives and property of her citizenry.

The federal government no doubt, is always swift to make statements condemning attacks when it happens and had even held several security summits to combat the hydra headed monster.
State police has also been canvassed with a bill for it’s establishment going through parliamentary procedures at the National Assembly.

But then, citizens believe, the government is not doing enough in the fight against insecurity as it seems to be reactive instead of active in the fight.

They expect that, government should match words with action,employ modern techniques and equipment needed to nib the ugly scenario in the bud .