Oyebanji Visits Rescued Ekiti Kidnap Victims.

Oyebanji Visits Rescued Ekiti Kidnap Victims.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has visited the victims of the recent Eda Oniyo church kidnapping who are currently receiving treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado Ekiti.

The victims, mostly women and children, regained their freedom in the early hours of Saturday after spending about 66 days in captivity. They were abducted on April 28 during a programme at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo.

The attack claimed the life of a pastor, while 16 worshippers were taken into the forest by the kidnappers. During their captivity, one of the abductees died, leaving 15 survivors who were eventually rescued.

During his visit to the hospital, Governor Oyebanji met with the victims in both the emergency and children’s wards. He expressed gratitude over their safe return and said he was encouraged by their medical condition.

According to the governor, all the rescued victims are responding well to treatment, including a young child who had been unconscious shortly after their rescue but has now regained consciousness.

He praised the medical team at EKSUTH for their prompt response and announced that the state government would cover all expenses related to the victims’ treatment until they are discharged.

Oyebanji also disclosed that psychologists would be engaged to provide trauma counselling and emotional support to help the victims recover and reintegrate into their families and communities.

The governor thanked God for the successful release of the abductees and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support throughout the rescue efforts. He also commended security agencies, members of the Hunters’ Association, the Eda Oniyo Progressives Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and other concerned individuals who contributed to securing the victims’ freedom.

While addressing the public, Oyebanji urged residents not to politicise matters relating to security. He stressed that the safety of every Ekiti resident should remain a collective responsibility, warning against exploiting tragic incidents for political purposes.

Earlier, the governor had directed the management of EKSUTH to provide comprehensive medical screening and treatment for all rescued victims. He also instructed the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee their welfare, with the state government assuming responsibility for all medical costs.

The rescued victims are expected to remain under medical supervision until healthcare professionals certify them fit to return to their families.