After spending 67 days in captivity, worshippers abducted during a prayer programme at a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Ekiti state, have regained their freedom.
The victims, who were seized when armed men invaded the church’s prayer mountain on April 28, were rescued through a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the military, Amotekun corps, local hunters and other security agencies.
Confirming the development on Saturday, the Ekiti state police command said the rescued worshippers had been taken to a medical facility for comprehensive examination and treatment following the traumatic ordeal.
SP Sunday Abutu, police spokesperson, said the operation was driven by sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated security efforts, describing the rescue as a product of effective collaboration among security agencies and the state government.
CP Joseph Eribo Adegoroye, commissioner of police, praised security personnel for their commitment and thanked the administration of governor Biodun Oyebanji for supporting operations aimed at securing the victims’ release.
Although the police did not disclose operational details, community sources said one of the abductees died while in captivity, leaving families and residents mourning despite the successful rescue of the remaining victims.
The police said efforts have now shifted to tracking down and arresting those responsible for the attack, assuring residents that operations against criminal elements would continue across the state.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
