Residents of Eda-Oniyo Community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State have raised an alarm and staged a peaceful protest over the continued detention of 16 abducted community members, more than 36 days after paying a ransom of N10.5 million to their captors.
The victims, mostly worshippers, were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when armed bandits attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) during a service in the community. The attackers reportedly killed the presiding pastor before abducting the 16 individuals.
According to community leaders, the kidnappers initially demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom, which was later reduced to N150 million and then N50 million. In a desperate effort to secure the release of their loved ones, the impoverished community pooled resources and paid N10.5 million, along with bags of rice, fuel, cigarettes, and other items demanded by the bandits.
Despite fulfilling their part of the agreement, the abductors have refused to release the victims and are now demanding additional money.
“Our people have been in captivity for 36 days. We contributed what we could as a community and paid N10.5 million ransom, but the kidnappers refused to release them. Instead, they are demanding more money,” a community leader said during the protest.
The protesters, comprising women, youths, relatives of the victims, and traditional leaders, appealed to the Ekiti State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies for urgent intervention to secure the safe release of the abductees.
They expressed fears for the health and lives of the victims, who include men, women, and possibly children, noting that prolonged captivity under harsh conditions could lead to fatalities.
The community condemned the rising wave of insecurity in Ekiti State and called on the authorities to deploy more personnel to rural areas and intensify intelligence-led operations against bandit groups terrorizing farming and worship communities.
“We have lost confidence in our ability to protect ourselves. We plead with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and President Bola Tinubu to treat this matter as urgent. Our people must be rescued alive,” the residents added.
This incident has further heightened fears among residents in Ekiti and neighboring states, where kidnapping for ransom has become rampant.
The community continues to pray for the safe return of their loved ones while awaiting swift government action.