Worshippers abducted during a deadly attack on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies.
The Ekiti State Police Command announced the rescue in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, saying the victims were freed through sustained intelligence-led operations involving the police, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.
According Abutu, the rescued victims have been taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment following their ordeal in captivity.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye, commended all the security agencies involved in the operation, describing the successful rescue as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration.
“The Commissioner of Police commended all security agencies for their professionalism, resilience and cooperation, noting that the successful operation was made possible through sustained intelligence gathering and effective synergy among the participating agencies,” the statement said.
The police commissioner also expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his continued support for security operations in the state, while thanking residents whose timely and credible information aided the rescue mission.
Despite the successful operation, Adegoroye said efforts were continuing to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
“The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will ensure that all those involved in the crime are brought to justice,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by reporting suspicious persons and activities promptly.
The worshippers were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when suspected armed men invaded an overnight service at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo. During the attack, the church’s presiding pastor was killed, while 16 worshippers, including women, children and an elderly woman, were taken into the surrounding forest.
The abduction sparked widespread concern across Ekiti State and beyond, with the kidnappers initially demanding a ₦1 billion ransom before reportedly reducing it to ₦50 million.
Community members reportedly raised about ₦10.5 million, alongside other items demanded by the abductors, but the victims remained in captivity.
The prolonged captivity of the worshippers triggered protests by residents and drew national attention, prompting the House of Representatives to call on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The latest rescue marks the end of a months-long operation by security agencies and represents a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and violent crimes in Ekiti State.
