Police Rescue Worshippers Abducted in Ekiti Church Attack

The Ekiti State Police Command says it has rescued worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, in April.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, said the victims were freed through sustained intelligence-led operations involving the police, military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.

According to the statement, the rescued worshippers have been taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye, commended the security agencies for their coordination and professionalism, describing the rescue as the result of effective inter-agency collaboration.

He also thanked Governor Biodun Oyebanji for supporting security operations in the state and appreciated residents for providing intelligence that aided the rescue mission.

Adegoroye said efforts were continuing to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

The worshippers were abducted on April 28 after suspected gunmen attacked an overnight Christ Apostolic Church service, killing the presiding pastor and taking 16 worshippers, including women, children and an elderly woman.

The abductors initially demanded a ₦1 billion ransom before reducing it to ₦50 million. Although the community reportedly raised and paid ₦10.5 million alongside other items requested by the kidnappers, the victims were not released, prompting protests by residents and a House of Representatives resolution calling for their immediate rescue.