Ekiti Community Protests as 16 Kidnap Victims Remain in Captivity Despite Ransom Payment

     
Residents of Eda-Oniyo, a community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have taken to the streets in a peaceful demonstration to demand urgent action from government authorities and security agencies over the continued detention of 16 kidnapped residents.

The protesters, including community elders, family members of the victims, women, and youths, expressed frustration that the abductees have spent 36 days in captivity despite the community raising and paying a ransom of N10.5 million to the kidnappers.

According to community members, the victims were abducted on April 28, 2026, when armed men suspected to be bandits invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) during a worship service. The attack reportedly claimed the life of the church's presiding pastor, while 16 worshippers were taken away by the assailants.

Residents revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion for the victims' release. The amount was later reduced to N150 million before being lowered again to N50 million. However, despite receiving N10.5 million from the community, the abductors allegedly refused to free the captives and are still insisting on additional payments.

Speaking during the protest, community leader Ayodele Ajayi said the kidnappers have maintained occasional contact with the victims and their families. He lamented that all efforts made so far to secure the release of those in captivity have failed.

“Our people have spent 36 days in captivity. As a community, we contributed what we could and paid N10.5 million, yet they were not released. Instead, the kidnappers are demanding more money,” Ajayi stated.

The community is now appealing to the Ekiti State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of the victims.