Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has visited worshippers from Eda-Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area who were released after spending more than two months in captivity.
According to Channels Television, the governor met the survivors on Sunday at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), where they are receiving medical treatment following their release on Saturday.
Sharing details of the visit on his official X account, Oyebanji said he was encouraged by the victims’ recovery, especially after a young child regained consciousness.
He announced that the Ekiti State Government would cover the full cost of the survivors’ medical treatment and psychological rehabilitation.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security across the state, describing security as a fundamental human right. He said the state government would continue working with President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to eliminate criminal elements operating in Ekiti.
Oyebanji commended the Eda-Oniyo community and security personnel for their efforts, praising their bravery and cooperation during the ordeal.
A community representative and former commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, revealed that residents borrowed money to raise a ₦25.5 million ransom despite losing one person during the incident. He, however, supported the government’s position against paying ransom, warning that it could encourage more kidnappings.
The worshippers were abducted in April 2026 when gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked an open-air revival organised by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda-Oniyo.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the congregation, killing the revivalist, Pastor Aregbe, injuring several worshippers and abducting others.
The incident sparked widespread outrage across Ekiti, with residents staging protests in early June over the prolonged captivity of the victims.
