Ekiti residents protest as kidnappers hold 16 worshippers

PHOTOS: Placards-carrying protesters at Eda-Oniyo. Photo: Abiodun Nejo.

Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Wednesday staged a protest over the continued captivity of 16 worshippers abducted by gunmen despite the payment of N10.5 million ransom. The protesters, comprising community leaders, women, youths, relatives and friends of the victims, appealed to the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abductees. The victims were kidnapped on April 28 during an evening service at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo when gunmen invaded the church and killed the presiding pastor. According to residents, the kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion ransom, later reducing it to N150 million and subsequently N50 million. The community, however, raised N10.5 million and paid the amount, but the victims remain in captivity. Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “President Tinubu, save us, we are perishing,” “FG, Ekiti State Government, save our loved ones from kidnappers,” and “We reject terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Eda Oniyo,” the protesters expressed frustration over the prolonged ordeal. The demonstrators also called for improved security infrastructure in the area, including a functional divisional police headquarters, deployment of forest guards and the establishment of a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border. A resident, Ajayi Ayodele, said the 16 abductees include mostly women and two young boys. “There are 16 victims in total. Most of them are women, while two are young boys. We are pleading with the government at all levels to come to our aid and rescue our people,” he said. Ayodele lamented that the victims had remained in captivity for 36 days despite the community’s efforts to secure their release. Placards-carrying protesters at Eda-Oniyo. Photo: Abiodun Nejo. “Our people have been kidnapped for 36 days. We contributed what we could as a community and paid ₦10.5million ransom, but the kidnappers refused to release them. Instead, they are demanding more money,” he added. Another resident, Ayodele Oni, said the community felt abandoned despite making sacrifices to meet the kidnappers’ demands. Related News Atiku laments abduction of ex- minister Adelabu’s sister, twin nephews Marco Rubio pledges continued counterterrorism pact with Nigeria NLC backs teachers’ strike, demands release of abducted pupils According to him, residents not only raised the ransom but also supplied food items and other materials requested by the