- Abducted Ekiti worshippers regain freedom after 67 days, with one victim dead despite alleged N25.5 million ransom payment
The worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area (LGA) of Ekiti State on April 28, 2026, have regained their freedom.
However, one of the victims, a woman, died while in the custody of the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the welfare of schoolchildren, including minors, who were abducted during coordinated attacks in Oyo and Borno States on May 15, 2026. They have now spent at least 54 days in captivity, enduring harsh conditions in the forest amid persistent heavy rainfall.
Due to the harsh weather condition, health experts have warned that if the abducted children are not rescued within the next few days, they could develop serious health complications, including pneumonia, malaria, asthma, and other life-threatening illnesses.
Though the Ekiti State Police Command said the victims were rescued through coordinated security operations, community sources disclosed that the kidnappers collected N25.5 million ransom, 150 litres of petrol, five bags of rice, cartons of noodles and other food items before releasing their victims.
The freed victims are currently receiving treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, at the expense of the state government.
The victims were kidnapped when gunmen invaded the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, a border community between Ekiti and Kwara states, during an evening service.
The attackers shot the pastor before abducting 16 worshippers, including women and children, and marched them into the forest.
Sources in the community said the abductors initially moved the victims through forests into neighbouring Kwara State.
The kidnappers initially demanded a N1billion ransom, but later reduced it to N50million.
Although the community reportedly raised and paid N10.5million alongside other items demanded by the abductors, the victims remained in captivity.
Community sources disclosed that the kidnappers later collected additional N10million, 150 litres of petrol, five bags of rice, cartons of noodles and other food items before releasing their victims.
Confirming the victims’ release yesterday, the Chairman of Ilejemeje LGA, Alaba Dada, lamented the death of one of the captives.
“I am so happy, and I am sad also. I am happy that they released the kidnapped persons. We lost one woman among them; that is what makes me sad. But we appreciate God for the people that came back home,” he said.
Dada said the victims were initially taken to the General Hospital in Iye Ekiti before being transferred to EKSUTH for comprehensive medical care.
“Their condition is bad; they cannot walk; they are injured; the kidnappers beat them. They said they had not eaten for over a week. But we thank God for their release,” he said.
A community leader, Ayodele Oni, described the victims’ release as a huge relief after weeks of anxiety.
Confirming the development in a statement yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti State, SP Sunday Abutu, said the rescue of the victims followed sustained intelligence-led operations involving the police, military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.
“The rescued victims have since been taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment to ascertain their health condition and ensure they receive adequate medical care,” the PPRO stated.
He added that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the abductors.
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, commended all security agencies for their collaboration and expressed appreciation for the support of the state government and residents during the operation.
On the Oyo abduction, the terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting at least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.
Days after the abduction, the terrorists released a disturbing video showing the gruesome beheading of one of the teachers identified as Mr. Michael Oyedokun.
There were later reports claiming that one of the abducted pupils had also died in captivity.
However, the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the claim, insisting that it was false.
Following the ongoing operation by security operatives, it was reported that the abductees are currently being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
The terrorists, who have their escape routes into neighbouring states like Kwara, were said to have been besieged by security operatives while a special operation is being carried out to ensure that the victims are rescued alive.
On Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Olayinka Olushola assured that the pupils and teachers will be rescued soon.
Asked if there is any hope of seeing the victims released soon, the PPRO simply said, “Yes I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt.”
On the Borno situation, terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting dozens of pupils.
According to local residents, the heavily armed insurgents stormed the community, firing sporadically before whisking away about 50 schoolchildren.
Although reports suggest that some of the abducted pupils have since been rescued, DAILY POST understands that many others remain in captivity in the forest.
When contacted, Borno State Police Spokesperson, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth, said the military has taken over the operation.
“For now, the operation is being coordinated by the military under the theatre of Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK and I have not gotten any update from them yet.
“I have not been informed if there was any rescue but if I get clear information, I will reach out to you”, he said.
Meanwhile, a statement issued at the weekend by the acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, said six of the students were rescued.