Ekiti Police Rescue Abducted Church Worshippers, One Dies in Captivity

Armed gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State on 28 April 2026, killing the presiding pastor and abducting 15‑16 worshippers, including women and children. The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦1 billion ransom, later reducing it to ₦50 million; the community raised ₦10.5 million and supplied food items, yet the victims remained held for more than two months.

A coordinated intelligence‑led operation on 3 July 2026, involving the Ekiti State Police Command, the military, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, other security agencies and the state government, rescued the worshippers. Survivors were taken to Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital for medical care, with the state covering all expenses. One female captive died while in captivity. Police Commissioner Michael Falade praised the multi‑agency effort and vowed to continue pursuing the abductors. The incident has heightened concern over violent crime targeting places of worship in Nigeria.

Separately, Kogi State Joint Security Forces reported the simultaneous release of additional worshippers from the same kidnapping, underscoring the broader regional security response.