Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Social media has been flooded with anger and frustration over the excruciating 67 days it took to secure the release of the Ekiti church worshippers. Many Nigerians have expressed outrage that the nation seemed to move on while the victims languished in captivity, with a barrage of allegations that ransoms were paid to secure their freedom. The prolonged ordeal has reignited bitter debates about the government's approach to kidnapping and the apparent normalisation of mass abduction in Nigeria. Fourteen of the fifteen abducted worshippers eventually regained their freedom, but the celebration has been tempered by grief, as one of the victims did not survive the ordeal.
The victims, who were seized on the night of April 28, 2026, during a revival programme at the church's prayer mountain, were released on Friday, July 3, or the early hours of Saturday, July 4, according to multiple reports.
The worshippers were abducted when heavily armed gunmen stormed the prayer mountain in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, killing the officiating pastor before herding 15 worshippers into the forest. The victims endured months of brutal captivity, with community sources revealing that they had not eaten for over a week before their release and had been repeatedly beaten by their captors.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the release, attributing the success to sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts involving the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and the state government. Police spokesperson SP Sunday Abutu said the victims had been taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
However, the joy of the release has been overshadowed by the death of one of the abductees. Community leader Alaba Dada, Chairman of Ilejemeje LGA, confirmed the loss: "I am so happy, and I am sad also. I am happy that they released the kidnapped persons. We lost one woman among them; that is what makes me sad."
The abductors had initially demanded ₦1 billion but later reduced it to ₦50 million. Although the community reportedly raised and paid ₦10.5 million alongside other items, the victims remained in captivity until the additional ransom was paid.
The freed worshippers are currently receiving comprehensive medical care at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti. Governor Biodun Oyebanji has directed the hospital to provide full medical screening and treatment, with the state government covering all expenses.
Commissioner of Police, CP Michael Falade, commended the professionalism and collaboration of all security agencies involved in the operation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
For the families of the survivors, the relief is immeasurable; for the family of the deceased, the pain is unimaginable. After 67 days, the nightmare is over for most—but for one family, it has only just begun.
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