Ekiti Residents Protest for Release of 16 Abducted Worshippers

Residents of Eda Oniyo in the Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State protested on Wednesday. They were upset over the continued captivity of 16 worshippers taken by gunmen, even after paying a ransom of N10.5 million.

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

The worshippers were kidnapped on April 28 during an evening service at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo. The gunmen attacked the church and killed the pastor.

Initially, the kidnappers demanded N1 billion. They later reduced it to N150 million, 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 expressed their frustration over the long wait.

They also asked for better security in the area. They want a functioning divisional police headquarters, forest guards, and a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border.

A resident, Ajayi Ayodele, shared that most of the 16 abductees are women and two young boys. “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 said.

Ayodele expressed sadness that the victims 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,” he added.

Another resident, Ayodele Oni, said the community feels abandoned despite their sacrifices. He mentioned that they not only raised the ransom but also provided food and other items the kidnappers wanted.

“We raised N10.5 million, supplied two bags of rice, and many other items that the bandits requested. 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 noted that the kidnappers resumed contact and are now asking for N50 million. “Yesterday night, we heard from them again. They are now insisting 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 taking 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.

Bose Ajayi, another resident, 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 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 also demanded a stronger security presence in the area, saying the lack of security infrastructure has made them easy targets for attacks.