The Ekiti State Police Command has rescued worshippers who were kidnapped during an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state, on April 28, 2026.
The 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 disclosed that the rescued worshippers had been taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
Abutu said the Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye, praised all the security agencies involved for their professionalism and cooperation, describing the successful operation as evidence of effective inter-agency collaboration.
He added that the police commissioner also expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his continued support for security agencies in the state and commended residents whose timely information contributed to the rescue mission.
Adegoroye assured that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those behind the abduction.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
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.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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