Fifteen Ekiti Church Worshippers Freed After 67 Days in Captivity
Fifteen worshippers abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti on April 28 have been released after 67 days in captivity. One fatality was reported.
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Fifteen worshippers abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti have been freed after 67 days in captivity, according to reports. The group was taken on April 28 during an open-air crusade, when armed gunmen stormed the event, witnesses told Premium Times.
The victims, mostly residents of Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, were held in unknown conditions before their release on July 4. The circumstances of their freedom, including whether a ransom was paid, have not been disclosed by authorities. Local sources confirmed the recovery of the group but did not provide details on their current health status.
One of the abductees died during captivity, according to a report by Legit.ng. The cause of death was not specified. The incident has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Ekiti State, where armed groups have increasingly targeted religious and community gatherings.
The Ekiti State government has yet to issue an official statement on the abduction or the release. Security forces have not confirmed any arrests or operations linked to the case. The Christ Apostolic Church has not commented on the incident, though community members have begun organizing support for the returnees.