Blessing Bello, Reporting
THE victims abducted during a brutal attack on a church crusade in Ekiti State have been released after spending more than two months in captivity, police have confirmed.
The worshippers were snatched on 28th April when gunmen stormed a crusade organised by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Eda-Oniyo community of Ilejemeje Local Government Area.
Upon their arrival on Saturday, the freed victims were immediately taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti for medical evaluation and treatment.
Police spokesman Sunday Abutu revealed that the successful rescue operation was the result of “sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts” involving multiple security agencies.
“The Nigeria Police Force, the Military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the Ekiti State Government all played crucial roles in securing the victims’ release,” Mr Abutu said in a statement.
“The rescued victims have since been taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment to ascertain their health condition and ensure they receive adequate medical care.”
Commissioner of Police in Ekiti, Falade Michael, praised the dedication, professionalism, and synergy displayed by all security stakeholders whose collective efforts led to the rescue.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for its unwavering support of security agencies, which he said “greatly contributed to the success of the operation”.
“The Commissioner also thanks the good people of Ekiti State for their continuous cooperation, vigilance, and timely provision of credible information,” the statement added.
Community Borrowed N25.5 million for Ransom
However, the relief of the community has been tempered by both the financial burden of securing the release and the tragic loss of one worshipper during the initial attack.
Rufus Ajayi, a former
state commissioner representing the community, revealed that residents had been forced to borrow heavily to raise N25.5 million (approximately £23,000) to secure the victims’ freedom.
Despite the hefty payment, Mr Ajayi threw his weight behind the state government’s decision not to intervene in the ransom negotiations.
“The kidnappers would turn the state into their honeypot if the Ekiti State government had supported it,” he warned.
The Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, expressed mixed emotions over the development – relief at the release but profound sadness over the death of one victim.
Mr Alaba reassured the public that the local government had been actively participating in security summits aimed at preventing such incidents from recurring.
