By Paul Joseph
Abductors of 15 worshippers in Ekiti State have demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion for their release, deepening concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the state.
The victims were kidnapped on Tuesday during a night vigil at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda-Oniyo, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area. A guest pastor was reportedly killed during the attack.
The Eleda of Eda-Oniyo, Oba Joseph Awolola, disclosed the ransom demand while receiving a government delegation that visited the community on Wednesday.
The delegation, led by Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd.), Special Adviser on Security to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, included the State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, and the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba.
Oba Awolola assured the authorities of the community’s cooperation in efforts to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
Providing further details, Alaba revealed that those abducted include a family of four a mother and her three children adding that efforts are ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
The Ekiti State Government condemned the attack, describing it as “heinous and unacceptable.” In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the government expressed condolences to families of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to rescuing those still in captivity.
Authorities have since intensified security operations in the area. The government confirmed the deployment of a high-powered security team, working in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups.
Additionally, troops from the 148 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have been deployed to the affected community, while surveillance operations have been expanded to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting rural communities and places of worship.
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