Fifteen worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igbala, Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, who were abducted during a church revival in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after spending 67 days in captivity. However, one of the captives reportedly died during the ordeal.
Relief and emotions swept through Eda Oniyo-Ekiti on Saturday after the 15 worshippers kidnapped during a deadly church attack in April finally regained their freedom following 67 days in captivity.
The victims were released late Friday night and returned to their community, where they were immediately taken for medical examination and treatment after enduring weeks of physical and psychological hardship.
The worshippers were abducted on April 28, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded a revival programme at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igbala Prayer Mountain in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly opened fire, killing the guest minister before abducting the worshippers and taking them into the forest.
A community leader confirmed that the victims regained their freedom after 67 days. However, he disclosed that one of the abductees died while in captivity, describing the development as heartbreaking for the affected family and the entire community.
The abduction sparked widespread outrage across Ekiti State and attracted national attention.
Earlier, the House of Representatives had called on the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations after reports indicated that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦1 billion before reducing the ransom demand, while the community reportedly raised millions of naira in desperate efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Despite weeks of public protests and appeals by residents, religious leaders and civil society groups, the victims remained in captivity until their reported release.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ekiti State Police Command had not issued an official statement confirming the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release or the reported death of one of the captives.
Security agencies are expected to continue investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The release of the worshippers brings an end to more than two months of anxiety for their families and the Eda Oniyo community. Nevertheless, the death of one captive and the brutal attack have renewed concerns over insecurity in rural communities and the urgent need for stronger protection of places of worship across Nigeria.