The 15 worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after spending more than two months in the custody of kidnappers.
However, the rescue came with sadness as one of the victims, a woman, died while in captivity, bringing the number of survivors to 15 out of the 16 worshippers abducted during the attack.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the victims were rescued through a coordinated security operation involving several security agencies and local stakeholders.
The rescued worshippers are currently receiving medical treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, with the Ekiti State Government footing the cost of their care.
Police said the victims were taken to the hospital immediately after regaining their freedom to undergo medical examination and receive treatment following their long period in captivity.
The worshippers were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo during an evening service.
The attackers reportedly opened fire during the invasion, shooting the church pastor before abducting 16 worshippers, including women and children. The gunmen then forced the victims into the forest and escaped.
The attack shocked residents of Eda Oniyo, a border community between Ekiti and Kwara states that has in recent years become vulnerable to attacks by armed criminal groups due to its location and the dense forests surrounding the area.
According to sources in the community, the kidnappers initially moved the victims through forest routes into neighbouring Kwara State, making rescue efforts more difficult for security operatives.
The incident triggered widespread concern across Ekiti State, with residents, religious groups and community leaders calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims safely.
The abduction also drew national attention after reports emerged that the kidnappers demanded an initial ransom of ₦1 billion for the release of the worshippers.
The demand was later reduced to ₦50 million after negotiations.
Despite the financial burden on the rural community, residents reportedly raised ₦10.5 million and provided other items requested by the kidnappers in the hope of securing the release of the victims.
However, even after the payment, the abducted worshippers remained in captivity, raising fears about their safety and increasing frustration among residents.
The prolonged detention led to protests in parts of the community, with families of the victims and other residents urging the Federal Government and security agencies to take stronger action against the kidnappers.
The matter also reached the National Assembly, where the House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on security agencies to ensure the immediate rescue of the victims and improve security in the affected communities.
Confirming the latest development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Police Command, SP Sunday Abutu, said the rescue was made possible through sustained intelligence gathering and joint security operations.
According to him, the operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.
Abutu said the successful operation reflected the benefits of collaboration among security agencies and community-based security groups.
He stated, “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.”
Although the police did not provide details on how the victims regained their freedom or disclose the exact location where they were rescued, the command said security operatives had intensified efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the kidnapping.
The police assured residents that investigations were ongoing and expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Abutu also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, commended all security agencies involved in the operation for their professionalism and cooperation.
He equally appreciated the support provided by the Ekiti State Government, local hunters, members of the Amotekun Corps and residents whose cooperation, he said, contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
The death of one of the kidnapped worshippers has, however, cast a shadow over what would otherwise have been a moment of relief for the affected families.
The identity of the deceased woman was not immediately disclosed by the police, and authorities also did not reveal the circumstances surrounding her death while in captivity.
Her death highlights the harsh conditions often faced by kidnapping victims, many of whom suffer from hunger, illness, exhaustion and physical abuse during prolonged captivity.
Kidnapping for ransom has continued to pose a major security challenge across several parts of Nigeria, including states in the South-West that were previously regarded as relatively safe.
Communities located along state boundaries and close to large forests have increasingly become targets for criminal gangs who take advantage of difficult terrain to evade security operations.
In response to the growing threat, state governments across the South-West have strengthened regional security efforts through the Amotekun Corps while working closely with conventional security agencies to improve surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The successful rescue of the Ekiti worshippers is expected to bring relief to their families after weeks of uncertainty and anxiety.
However, the death of one of the captives and the lengthy period the victims spent in the hands of their abductors have renewed calls for stronger security measures, faster emergency response and more effective protection for rural communities and places of worship.