Ekiti church kidnap victims regain freedom after two months

Fourteen worshippers who were abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) crusade in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have regained their freedom after spending more than two months in captivity.

The victims were released around midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama. Following their release, they were taken to a hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment and undergoing health checks after their lengthy ordeal.

The report disclosed that one of the 15 worshippers kidnapped during the attack did not survive the period in captivity. The remaining victims were said to have returned in poor physical and emotional condition after enduring weeks in the hands of their abductors.

The abduction occurred on April 28, 2026, when suspected gunmen invaded an open-air crusade organised by the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti. During the attack, the officiating pastor was killed, while 15 worshippers were taken away to an unknown destination.

The release of the survivors has brought relief to their families and members of the church, although concerns remain over the condition of those who returned and the death of one of the abducted worshippers while in captivity.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies and the Ekiti State Government had not issued an official statement explaining how the victims regained their freedom or whether any arrests had been made in connection with the attack.

The identity of the gunmen and the circumstances surrounding the release of the worshippers also remain unknown as investigations continue.