Ekiti Community Protests as 16 Worshippers Remain in Captivity Despite ₦10.5m Ransom Payment

Residents of Eda Oniyo community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Wednesday staged a protest over the continued captivity of 16 worshippers abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church in the community, despite the payment of ₦10.

5 million ransom.
The worshippers were kidnapped on April 28 during an evening church service when armed men invaded the church, killed the presiding pastor, and marched several congregants into the bush. More than a month after the incident, the victims are yet to regain their freedom.
The protesters, comprising family members, community leaders, women, and youths, marched through parts of the community carrying placards and calling on security agencies and the Federal Government to intervene urgently.
Some of the placards specifically appealed to the administration of President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
According to residents, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦1 billion ransom before reducing it to ₦150 million and later ₦50 million. The community eventually raised ₦10.5 million and provided food items and other supplies reportedly requested by the abductors during negotiations. However, the victims were still not released.
A resident, Ajayi Ayodele, disclosed that most of the abductees are women, while two of them are young boys.
“There are 16 victims in total. Most of them are women, while two are young boys,” he said. “We are pleading with the government at all levels to come to our aid and rescue our people.”
He lamented that the victims had remained in captivity for 36 days despite the community’s efforts.
“Our people have been kidnapped for 36 days. We contributed what we could as a community and paid ₦10.5 million ransom, but the kidnappers refused to release them. Instead, they are demanding more money,” he added.
Another resident, Ayodele Oni, said the community went beyond monetary contributions in an effort to secure the release of the abductees.
“We raised ₦10.5 million, supplied two bags of rice and several other items requested by the bandits. They also demanded fuel, cigarettes, and other provisions. We met all these demands, yet our people are still being held captive,” he said.