Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has visited the victims of the Eda Oniyo church abduction at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado Ekiti, where they are receiving treatment following their release after spending about 66 days in captivity.
The governor’s visit came a day after the victims—mostly women and children—regained their freedom in the early hours of Saturday. They had been kidnapped on April 28 while attending a programme at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo.
The attack claimed the life of a pastor, while 16 worshippers were forced into the forest by their abductors. During the period of captivity, one of the victims died, leaving 15 survivors who were eventually released.
Moving from one ward to another, Oyebanji met with the victims at the hospital’s emergency and children’s units, where he was briefed on their medical condition.
Speaking after the visit, the governor expressed relief that the survivors were responding positively to treatment and said their recovery remained the government’s immediate priority.
“I am happy that they are back. I am happy that the little child who was unconscious yesterday (Saturday) is now conscious. All of them are stable, and they are responding to medical treatment. I commend the staff of EKSUTH for a job well done.
“Since yesterday (Saturday), we brought them here to take care of them and ensure that they are medically sound. I have instructed that the state will bear the cost of their treatment and everything that happens between now and when they are discharged. I will also engage psychologists to counsel them with a view to reintegrating them with their family members.”
Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims, thanking God for their release. He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and commended the various security agencies and members of the Hunters’ Association for their efforts throughout the rescue operation.
The governor also recognised the contributions of community groups and religious organisations that supported the state government’s efforts during the ordeal.
“I must particularly place on record my commendation for the efforts of members of the Eda Oniyo Progressives Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria and other well-meaning indigenes of Ekiti State who supported us in ensuring that the kidnap victims were finally released.”
While speaking on the broader security situation, Oyebanji appealed to residents to avoid turning security challenges into political contests, stressing that protecting lives should remain a collective responsibility.
“We should be our brothers’ keepers. The safety of every Ekiti indigene should be our concern, and there should be a limit to politics.
“I will advise our people that when things like this happen, they should not weaponise them or play politics with them. It was so shocking that some people decided to play politics with this unfortunate incident,” he said.
A day before the hospital visit, the governor had directed the management of EKSUTH to provide immediate and comprehensive medical care for all the rescued victims.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor also instructed the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee the victims’ welfare throughout their recovery, with the state government assuming full responsibility for all medical expenses.
According to the statement, the survivors will continue to receive specialised medical attention at the teaching hospital and **“will remain under medical supervision until they are certified fit for reintegration with their families.”**
(Ripples)