Gov Oyebanji Visits Rescued Ekiti Church Worshippers

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday visited worshippers from Eda-Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area who recently regained their freedom after spending more than two months in captivity.

NEWSNGR understands that the victims, who were released on Saturday, are currently receiving treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.

Oyebanji, who shared details of the visit on his official 𝕏 account, said he was relieved to see the survivors responding to treatment, especially a young child who had regained consciousness.

“Earlier today, I visited our resilient brothers and sisters from Eda Oniyo, currently recovering at EKSUTH. Seeing them stable, especially a young child who has now regained consciousness, brings profound relief and reinforces the sacred duty I bear to protect every life in Ekiti State,” he wrote.

The governor announced that his administration would bear the full cost of the victims’ medical treatment and psychological rehabilitation.

“My administration has undertaken the full cost of their medical and psychological recovery,” Oyebanji said.

He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working with the Federal Government and security agencies to tackle criminal activities in the state.

“Let me be clear: security is a fundamental human right, not a political tool. We will continue to collaborate with President Tinubu and our security agencies to relentlessly flush out criminal elements from our state,” he added.

Oyebanji commended the Eda-Oniyo community and security operatives for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.

“I am deeply grateful to the Eda Oniyo community and our security forces for their bravery and intelligence. We will remain united, vigilant, and unyielding in our pursuit of a safe and peaceful Ekiti,” he said.

A community representative and former commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, said the community had to borrow money to raise ₦25.5 million as ransom, despite losing one person during the attack.

Ajayi, however, backed the government’s refusal to pay ransom, warning that such action could embolden kidnappers and encourage further attacks.

NEWSNGR recalls that the worshippers were abducted in April 2026 when gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked an open-air revival organised by the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo.

The assailants reportedly stormed the programme around 6:45pm on a Tuesday, opened fire on the congregation and killed the revivalist, identified as Pastor Aregbe.

Several worshippers were injured during the attack, while an unconfirmed number were abducted.

At the time, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Alaba, said information from the church leadership showed that some worshippers escaped into the surrounding bush while others were shot.

He also confirmed that the slain pastor’s body had been deposited in a morgue.

The abduction triggered public outrage in the state, with residents staging protests in early June after the captives remained in the kidnappers’ custody for several weeks.