ABIODUN NEJO examines the 67-day captivity of the Ekiti worshippers abducted during a church programme, the community’s struggle to secure their release, and the emotional homecoming that followed
For 67 agonising days, the people of Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State lived between hope and despair, praying for the safe return of 16 worshippers abducted during a church programme.
As the days stretched into weeks, families, community leaders and volunteers battled not only fear and uncertainty but also the enormous task of raising millions of naira to secure their loved ones’ freedom.
So, when news broke in the early hours of Saturday, July 4, 2026, that the worshippers abducted from Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on April 28 had regained their freedom, many residents dismissed it as yet another rumour.
Their disbelief stemmed from the prolonged silence surrounding efforts to secure the release of the 16 worshippers, including women and children, who were abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in the community.
