Ekiti Residents Protest Over Kidnapping of 16 Worshippers

Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State staged a protest on Wednesday over the continued captivity of 16 worshippers abducted by gunmen despite the payment of N10.5 million ransom.

The demonstrators, including community leaders, women, youths, relatives, and friends of the victims, appealed to the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government, and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.

The victims were abducted on April 28 during an evening service at a Christ Apostolic Church when gunmen killed the presiding pastor.

Residents said the kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion, later reducing it to N150 million and subsequently N50 million, but the community paid N10.5 million, yet the victims remain in captivity.

Protesters carried placards with messages such as “President Tinubu, save us, we are perishing” and “We reject terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Eda Oniyo,” expressing frustration over the prolonged ordeal.

They also called for improved security infrastructure, including a functional divisional police headquarters, deployment of forest guards, and the establishment of a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border.

Ajayi Ayodele, a resident, said the 16 abductees include mostly women and two young boys, and appealed for urgent government intervention.

Ayodele lamented that the victims had been in captivity for 36 days despite the community’s efforts to meet the kidnappers’ demands.

He added that the kidnappers had resumed contact, now demanding N50 million, despite the community supplying food, fuel, cigarettes, and other requested items.

Another resident, Ayodele Oni, described the process of delivering ransom as harrowing, involving long treks through Kwara and Kogi states, and said the victims endured harsh conditions without proper shelter, bathing, or medical care.

Bose Ajayi, another protester, highlighted the vulnerability of the abductees, including children as young as two and three years old and an elderly woman over 80, stressing the trauma inflicted on families.

The protesters reiterated their plea for urgent federal, state, and local government action to rescue the victims and restore security in the community.

Residents warned that the absence of adequate security infrastructure has left the area highly vulnerable to attacks and called for a stronger security presence to prevent future incidents.

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