Ekiti residents protest continued detention of 16 church worshippers by kidnappers

By Boye Oyeyemi

Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest over the continued captivity of 16 church members abducted by gunmen more than a month ago.

The demonstrators, including community leaders, women, youths and relatives of the victims, appealed to the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abductees.

The victims were reportedly seized on April 28 when armed men attacked a Christ Apostolic Church during an evening worship service in the community. The attackers also killed the presiding pastor during the invasion.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters lamented that despite raising and paying N10.5 million to the kidnappers, the victims had remained in captivity after 36 days.

Speaking during the protest, a resident, Ajayi Ayodele, said the abductees consisted largely of women and two young boys. He urged the authorities to intervene urgently and rescue the victims from their captors.

“Our people have spent 36 days in captivity. We contributed what we could as a community and paid N10.5 million ransom, yet they have not been released. The kidnappers are now demanding additional money,” he said.

Another resident, Ayodele Oni, alleged that community members not only raised the ransom but also provided food items and other supplies requested by the abductors. He disclosed that the kidnappers had resumed contact and were now demanding N50 million for the victims’ release.

Also speaking, Bose Ajayi appealed for immediate government intervention, saying children, elderly persons and women were among those abducted. The protesters further demanded improved security in the area, including the deployment of more security personnel, forest guards and the establishment of a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border to curb recurring attacks.