Ekiti community protests as kidnappers hold 16 worshippers hostage

Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State protested on Wednesday. They are angry about the continued captivity of 16 worshippers taken by gunmen. This happened despite the community paying a ransom of N10.5 million.

The protesters included community leaders, women, youths, and family members of the victims. They urged the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government, and security agencies to do more to free the abductees.

The victims were kidnapped on April 28 during an evening service at a Christ Apostolic Church. Gunmen invaded the church and killed the pastor who was leading the service.

Residents say the kidnappers first demanded N1 billion. Later, they reduced the ransom to N150 million and then to N50 million. The community managed to raise N10.5 million and paid it, but the victims are still not free.

The protesters carried placards with messages like “President Tinubu, save us, we are perishing,” “FG, Ekiti State Government, save our loved ones from kidnappers,” and “We reject terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Eda Oniyo.” They showed their frustration over the long wait for the victims’ release.

They also called for better security in the area. They want a functional police station, more forest guards, and a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border. A resident named Ajayi Ayodele said most of the 16 abductees are women and there are two young boys.

Ajayi said, “There are 16 victims in total. Most of them are women, while two are young boys. We are pleading with the government at all levels to come to our aid and rescue our people.” He pointed out that the victims have been in captivity for 36 days.

He said, “Our people have been kidnapped 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.” Another resident, Ayodele Oni, mentioned that the community feels neglected despite their efforts to meet the kidnappers' demands.

Oni explained that they not only raised the ransom but also provided food and other supplies the kidnappers requested. “We raised N10.5 million, supplied two bags of rice, and several other items. They even asked for fuel, cigarettes, and other provisions. We complied with all these demands, yet our people are still being held,” he said.

Oni added that the kidnappers have contacted them again and are now demanding N50 million. “Last night, we heard from them again. They now insist on N50 million despite everything we have already given them.

“The process of giving them the ransom was a terrible experience. We went through parts of Kwara and Kogi states and trekked deep into the bush. After collecting the money, they told us we would hear from them. Since then, they have continued making fresh demands.

“Thirty-six days in the bush without proper shelter, bathing, or medical care is unbearable. Our mothers, wives, and children are suffering severe trauma,” he said.

Another resident, Bose Ajayi, also called for immediate action to rescue the victims. “We are here to plead on behalf of our community. Our people have been in captivity for 36 days.

“We have children as young as two and three years old and an elderly woman who is over 80 years old among those kidnapped. Families are suffering and children keep asking for their mothers.

“We are begging the Federal Government, the state government, and the local government to help secure their release. Women are crying, children are crying, and the entire community is in pain,” she said.

The protesters demanded a stronger security presence, arguing that the lack of proper security makes their community easy targets for attacks.