Ekiti residents protest continued captivity of 16 worshippers despite ransom payment

Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State protested the ongoing captivity of 16 worshippers abducted by gunmen on April 28 from a Christ Apostolic Church. The community raised and paid N10.5 million in ransom, but the victims, including women and two young boys, remain held after 36 days. The kidnappers initially demanded N1 billion, then N150 million, and later N50 million. After receiving the N10.5 million, along with food items, fuel, and other provisions, the abductors are now demanding an additional N50 million. Protesters appealed to the Federal Government, Ekiti State Government, and security agencies for intervention, highlighting the trauma endured by the victims, who include young children and an elderly woman. They also called for improved security infrastructure in the area, such as a functional divisional police headquarters, forest guards, and a military base near the Ekiti-Kwara border, citing the community's vulnerability due to inadequate security.