Protesters say the abductees have spent 36 days in captivity, while kidnappers are reportedly demanding an additional ₦50 million.
Residents of Eda-Oniyo Community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State have staged a peaceful protest over the continued captivity of 16 church members abducted during an attack on a worship service.
The protesters, made up of community leaders, relatives of the victims, women, and youths, appealed to the state and federal governments, as well as security agencies, to intervene and secure the release of those still being held. According to the community, the victims have remained in captivity for 36 days despite the payment of a ₦10.5 million ransom.
The abductees were reportedly kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked a Christ Apostolic Church service in the community. During the attack, the presiding pastor was killed, while 16 worshippers were taken away by the assailants.
Residents said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦1 billion before reducing the amount to ₦150 million and later ₦50 million. Even after the community raised and paid ₦10.5 million, the captives were not released. Instead, the abductors allegedly demanded another ₦50 million.
The protest reflects growing concern within the community as families continue to await the release of their loved ones. For many residents, the issue has moved beyond ransom negotiations to an urgent appeal for decisive intervention by security authorities.
As of the time of reporting, the victims remained in captivity.