Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Sunday, 5 July 2026, visited the 15 survivors of the Eda-Oniyo church abduction at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti, where they are receiving treatment after spending more than two months in captivity. The governor's visit came barely 24 hours after the victims—mostly women and children—were admitted to the hospital on his directive, following their release in the early hours of Saturday, 4 July 2026. Moving from one ward to another, Oyebanji met with the survivors at the hospital's emergency and children's units, where he was briefed on their medical condition. The governor expressed profound relief that the survivors were responding positively to treatment, particularly noting that a young child who had been unconscious upon arrival had regained consciousness.
The ordeal began on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, when suspected bandits attacked an open-air revival organised by the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo, a border community between Ekiti and Kwara states. The assailants stormed the programme at approximately 6:45 p.m., opened fire on the congregation, and killed the revivalist, identified as Pastor Aregbe. Sixteen worshippers were forced into the forest by their abductors. During the period of captivity, one of the victims died, leaving 15 survivors who were eventually released after 66 days in the kidnappers' den. The abductors initially demanded a ₦1 billion ransom, which was later reduced to ₦50 million. Although the community reportedly raised and paid ₦10.5 million alongside other items demanded by the abductors, the victims remained in captivity, prompting protests by residents and a resolution by the House of Representatives calling for their immediate rescue.
Speaking after the visit, Governor Oyebanji announced that his administration would bear the full cost of the victims' medical treatment, rehabilitation, and psychological support to aid their recovery and reintegration into society. "I am happy that they are back. I am happy that the little child who was unconscious yesterday (Saturday) is now conscious. All of them are stable, and they are responding to medical treatment. I commend the staff of EKSUTH for a job well done," the governor said. "Since yesterday (Saturday), we have brought them here to take care of them and ensure that they are medically sound. I have instructed that the state will bear the cost of their treatment and everything that happens between now and when they leave here. I will also talk to psychologists to talk to them with a view to integrating them with their family members."
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims, thanking God for their release. He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and commended the various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Amotekun Corps, and members of the Hunters' Association, for their coordinated efforts throughout the rescue operation. The governor also recognised the contributions of community groups and religious organisations that supported the state government's efforts during the ordeal. "I must particularly place on record my commendation for the efforts of members of the Eda Oniyo Progressives Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria and other well-meaning indigenes of Ekiti State who supported us in ensuring that the kidnap victims were finally released."
While speaking on the broader security situation, Oyebanji appealed to residents to avoid turning security challenges into political contests, stressing that protecting lives should remain a collective responsibility. "I will advise our people that when things like this happen, they should not weaponise them or play politics with them. It was so shocking that some people decided to play politics with this unfortunate incident." A community representative and former commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, disclosed that the community had to borrow money to raise ₦25.5 million as ransom despite losing one person during the attack. Ajayi, however, supported the government's refusal to pay ransom, warning that such action could embolden kidnappers and encourage further attacks.
A day before the hospital visit, the governor had directed the management of EKSUTH to provide comprehensive medical screening and treatment for all the rescued victims. He also instructed the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee the victims' welfare throughout their recovery, with the state government assuming full responsibility for all medical expenses. According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the survivors will remain under medical supervision until they are certified fit for reintegration with their families. The abduction had sparked widespread outrage across Ekiti State, with residents staging protests in early June after the captives remained in the kidnappers' custody for several weeks. For the families of the survivors, Sunday's visit marked the beginning of a long journey of healing—physical, emotional, and psychological—and a reaffirmation that their loved ones had not been forgotten.
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