The worshippers abducted during the recent attack on a church in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom and are receiving treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti.
The victims arrived at the hospital in the early hours of Saturday, July 4, following their release by the kidnappers.
A community leader and former Ekiti State Commissioner, Rufus Ajayi, thanked God for the safe return of the victims. He disclosed that the community raised N25.5 million through borrowed funds to secure their release, despite losing one of the abducted worshippers.
Ajayi, however, backed the state government’s decision not to contribute to the ransom, saying such intervention could encourage more kidnappings in the state.
Also speaking, Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, expressed relief over the victims’ release while mourning the loss of one of them. He commended the state government for its support and said the council was strengthening security measures to prevent similar incidents.
