Fourteen worshippers 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 reportedly released around midnight on Friday and have since been taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that one of the 15 worshippers kidnapped during the attack died while in captivity, leaving 14 survivors who are currently receiving medical attention.
According to the sources, the freed worshippers are in fragile physical and emotional condition following their prolonged ordeal.
The abduction occurred on April 28, 2026, when suspected gunmen invaded an open-air crusade organised by the church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly shot and killed the officiating pastor before abducting 15 worshippers and whisking them away to an unknown destination.
A source close to the victims said the freed worshippers were immediately taken for medical care upon their release.
“They were released late Friday night and have been taken to hospital for proper medical attention. Their condition requires urgent care after what they went through in captivity,” the source said.
The circumstances surrounding the release of the victims remain unclear, as security agencies and the Ekiti State Government had yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
Similarly, it was not immediately known whether any ransom was paid to secure the release of the abductees.
The incident had sparked widespread concern across Ekiti State and beyond, with religious leaders and residents calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Authorities are yet to disclose the identities of the perpetrators or provide details of ongoing investigations into the deadly church attack.
The latest development brings relief to the families of the surviving victims, although the death of one of the abductees and the killing of the officiating pastor have continued to cast a shadow over the tragic incident.
