The worshippers of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igbala, Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, who were kidnaped over two months ago have regained their freedom after spending 67 days in captivity.
The victims were released in the early hours of Saturday and immediately taken to a local medical facility for examinations and treatment following the trauma endured during their ordeal.
The worshippers were abducted on April 28 after suspected gunmen invaded an overnight service at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo.
During the attack, the assailants killed the officiating pastor and abducted 16 worshippers, including women, children and an elderly woman.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦1 billion ransom before reducing it to ₦50 million.
Although members of the community reportedly raised and paid ₦10.5 million, along with other items requested by the abductors, the victims were not released, sparking protests by residents and prompting the House of Representatives to call for their immediate rescue.
The Ekiti State Police Command announced the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu.
According to Abutu, the victims were freed after 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.
He confirmed that the rescued worshippers had been taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
Adegoroye assured that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those behind the abduction.
Freed Eda Oniyo Ekiti Kidnap Victims Currently Receiving Medical Treatment.
They were freed after 57 days in captivity. One of them died in the captivity. pic.twitter.com/T2KhcwWfWd
— Lere Olayinka – Aresa 1 (@OlayinkaLere) July 4, 2026
(Ripples)