Jul 4, 2026

66 Days of Terror: Ekiti Church Hostages Freed Without State Government Intervention

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria – July 4, 2026 — In a story that blends relief with profound frustration, 14 surviving worshippers abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) crusade in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti have regained their freedom after 66 harrowing days in the hands of terrorists.

Their release, which occurred around midnight on Friday, came without any apparent intervention from government authorities or security agencies, according to multiple local sources.

One victim tragically died in captivity, adding to the grief of a community already scarred by violence.

The nightmare began on the evening of April 28, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen stormed an open-air crusade at the CAC in Ilejemeje Local Government Area.

They shot and killed the presiding pastor (identified in reports as a revivalist known as Pastor Aregbe or similar), then abducted 15 worshippers — including men, women, and possibly children — marching them into nearby forests.

The attack left the community in shock and triggered weeks of anxious waiting, protests, and ransom negotiations.

Kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ₦1 billion ransom, which was later reduced through negotiations.

Families and community members reportedly paid ₦10.5 million, along with items such as bags of rice, seasoning, SIM cards, airtime, and tramadol.

Despite the payment, the hostages remained in captivity for months, fueling public outrage and accusations of official inaction.

Civil society groups, including the Take-It-Back Movement, had issued ultimatums to the Ekiti State Government, while the House of Representatives passed motions demanding urgent rescue and justice for the slain pastor.

As of Saturday, the freed survivors were receiving medical attention and psychological evaluation in a local hospital.

Sources describe them as being in critical physical and emotional condition after prolonged deprivation, fear, and uncertainty.

Community leaders expressed gratitude for their return but mourned the deceased captive and the murdered pastor, describing the entire episode as heartbreaking.

A Pattern of Insecurity and Questions Unanswered

This incident is not isolated. Ekiti State and surrounding regions have faced repeated bandit attacks, particularly targeting vulnerable rural communities and places of worship.

The lack of a visible government or security-led rescue has intensified criticism of authorities at both state and federal levels.

As of reporting time, neither the Ekiti State Government nor federal security agencies had issued detailed official statements confirming the circumstances of the release or any arrests made.

Residents and observers are raising pointed questions: Why did it take 66 days for freedom to come, seemingly through private or informal channels rather than state action?

What steps are being taken to secure rural areas and prevent future attacks on churches and civilians?

The episode underscores broader national concerns over rampant kidnapping for ransom, which has become a lucrative criminal enterprise across Nigeria, often exploiting weak rural security infrastructure.

For the families of Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, today brings a bittersweet mix of joy and sorrow.

Survivors are home, but the trauma lingers, one life has been lost, and a pastor’s sacrifice remains a painful reminder of vulnerability.

As Nigeria grapples with persistent insecurity, this case highlights the human cost when citizens feel abandoned by the very institutions tasked with protecting them.

The community’s resilience shines through their continued faith and collective support, yet many are calling for stronger, proactive security measures — from better intelligence and rapid response units to enhanced protection around worship centers.

Without meaningful reforms, such tragedies risk becoming an all-too-familiar headline.