By Peace Erewunmi

Fourteen worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igbala, Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after spending 67 days in captivity following their abduction by suspected gunmen during a church revival programme. Their release has brought relief to families and residents who had endured weeks of anxiety and uncertainty.

The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when heavily armed assailants invaded an open-air crusade at the church’s prayer mountain in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti. During the attack, the gunmen reportedly shot and killed the officiating pastor before abducting worshippers, including women, children, and elderly members of the congregation, and taking them into a nearby forest.

According to reports, the worshippers were released late on Friday, July 3, and arrived in their community around midnight. They were immediately taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment after enduring more than two months in captivity. Medical personnel are also providing psychological support to help them recover from the traumatic experience.

Sadly, one of the abducted worshippers did not survive the ordeal. Community leaders disclosed that the victim died while in captivity, reducing the number of those who returned alive to fourteen. The development has cast a shadow over what would otherwise have been a moment of celebration for the affected families and the entire community.

The abduction attracted national attention after the kidnappers allegedly demanded an initial ransom of ₦1 billion, later reducing it to ₦50 million. Community members reportedly raised ₦10.5 million and also provided other items requested by the abductors, including bags of rice, fuel, and soft drinks, but the victims remained in captivity for several more weeks before eventually regaining their freedom.

The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed that the worshippers had been rescued following sustained intelligence-led operations involving the police, the Nigerian military, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and other security agencies in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government. Police spokesperson SP Sunday Abutu said the coordinated operation demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Commissioner of Police Joseph Eribo (represented through the command’s statement) commended all security personnel involved in the operation and expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for supporting security agencies throughout the rescue efforts. The command also thanked residents who supplied credible intelligence that contributed to the successful operation.

The release of the worshippers ends a painful chapter that had heightened fears across Ekiti State and renewed concerns over attacks on places of worship and rural communities. While residents have welcomed the safe return of the survivors, many have called for intensified security measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.