Ekiti Church Kidnap: One dies in captivity as 14 worshippers freed months after abduction

Fourteen worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, crusade in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after spending more than two months in captivity.

The development was disclosed in a report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert covering the Lake Chad region.

According to the report, the victims were released around midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026, and have since been taken to a hospital, where they are receiving medical attention and undergoing evaluation following their ordeal.

Makama reported that one of the 15 worshippers abducted during the attack died while in captivity, while the remaining victims were released in what was described as critical physical and emotional condition.

The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when suspected gunmen reportedly attacked an open-air crusade organised by the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti.

Makama reported that the officiating pastor was killed during the attack, while 15 worshippers were abducted and taken to an unknown location.

He said, “One of the 15 abducted worshippers died while in captivity. The remaining victims are said to be in critical physical and emotional condition following their ordeal.”

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release or the identity of those responsible for the attack.