Freedom at Last: Police Rescue Ekiti Church Worshippers After Two Months

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, nearly two months after they were taken into captivity.

The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when suspected gunmen stormed 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 Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the victims were rescued through sustained intelligence-led operations carried out by the police in collaboration with the 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 that participated in the operation, describing the successful rescue as a product of effective collaboration and professionalism.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his support towards security operations in the state and thanked residents whose timely information contributed to the rescue mission.
The abduction had generated widespread concern across Ekiti and beyond after the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ₦1 billion ransom, which was later reduced to ₦50 million.
Although reports indicated that the community raised and paid ₦10.5 million alongside other items demanded by the abductors, the victims remained in captivity, prompting protests by residents and a call by the House of Representatives for their immediate rescue.
Commissioner Adegoroye said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant while continuing to provide useful information to security agencies.