By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
Fifteen worshippers abducted during a church revival in Ekiti State have regained their freedom after spending 67 days in captivity, although one of the victims reportedly died during the ordeal.
The worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igbala, Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, were released late Friday, bringing an end to more than two months of uncertainty for their families and the community.
The victims arrived in Eda Oniyo around midnight and were immediately taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment following the physical and psychological trauma they suffered in captivity.
The worshippers were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded a church revival programme at the prayer mountain in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti. The attackers opened fire, killing a pastor before abducting 15 worshippers and taking them into the forest.
Confirming the development, a community leader said the abductees had finally regained their freedom after several weeks in captivity.
The community leader disclosed that “one of the captives did not survive the ordeal,” describing the loss as heartbreaking for the bereaved family and the entire community.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ekiti State Police Command had not officially confirmed the release of the victims or disclosed the circumstances surrounding their freedom, while efforts to reach the command’s spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful.
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