The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of worshippers abducted during an attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eda-Oniyo, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state.
The command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu.
According to the statement, the victims were rescued following sustained intelligence-led operations conducted jointly by the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.
Abutu said the rescued worshippers have been taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Joseph Eribo Falade Adegoroye, commended all security personnel involved in the operation, describing the successful rescue as the outcome of effective intelligence gathering and strong inter-agency collaboration.
He also expressed appreciation to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his continued support to security agencies, while thanking residents for providing credible information that aided the rescue mission.
The police commissioner assured that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information on suspicious activities to security agencies.
The victims were abducted on April 28, 2026, when suspected gunmen invaded an overnight service at Christ Apostolic Church, Eda-Oniyo.
During the attack, the presiding pastor was killed, while 16 worshippers, including women, children and an elderly woman, were taken away by the assailants.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion, which was later reduced to ₦50 million.
Community members reportedly raised and paid ₦10.5 million, along with other items demanded by the abductors, but the victims remained in captivity.
The incident triggered protests within the community and prompted the House of Representatives to call for the immediate rescue of the abducted worshippers.
The Ekiti State Police Command reiterated that security operations would continue until all those responsible for the crime are apprehended and brought to justice.
