Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has visited the victims of the Eda Oniyo church kidnapping at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti, assuring them of full government support as they recover from their ordeal.
The victims, mainly women and children, were released on Saturday after spending about 66 days in captivity. They were abducted on April 28 during a programme at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, where armed kidnappers killed a pastor and took 16 worshippers into the forest.
One of the abductees died while in captivity, while the remaining 15 regained their freedom and are now receiving medical treatment at EKSUTH.
During his visit, Governor Oyebanji expressed relief that the victims were recovering well. He disclosed that a child who was unconscious when brought to the hospital had regained consciousness and that all the survivors were responding positively to treatment.
The governor directed that the Ekiti State Government should bear the full cost of their medical care and announced plans to provide psychological counselling to help the victims overcome the trauma and successfully reunite with their families.
Oyebanji also thanked Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts to secure the victims’ release. He commended security agencies, members of the Hunters’ Association, the Eda Oniyo Progressives Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria and other residents who contributed to the rescue efforts.
While addressing the public, the governor urged residents not to politicise security matters, stressing that protecting lives should remain a collective responsibility. He criticised attempts by some individuals to exploit the kidnapping incident for political purposes, calling for unity in addressing security challenges.
The state government had earlier instructed the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the management of EKSUTH to provide comprehensive medical care and ensure the victims remain under observation until they are medically fit to return to their families.
Key Highlights
Governor Biodun Oyebanji visited the freed Eda Oniyo kidnap victims at EKSUTH.
The victims regained their freedom after spending about 66 days in captivity.
Fifteen abductees were rescued, while one victim died during captivity.
The Ekiti State Government will cover all medical expenses and provide psychological counselling.
Oyebanji thanked President Tinubu, security agencies and community groups for their roles in securing the victims’ release and urged Nigerians not to politicise security issues.