Kidnappers demand ₦1bn ransom for 15 Ekiti Church worshippers

The traditional ruler of Eda-Oniyo in Ekiti State, Oba Joseph Awolola, has revealed that kidnappers who abducted 15 worshippers during a church vigil have demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion for their release.

The victims were taken on Tuesday night during a vigil at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) No. 2 in Eda-Oniyo, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area. A guest pastor was reportedly killed during the attack, further deepening outrage over the incident.

Oba Awolola disclosed the ransom demand while receiving a government delegation that visited the community on Wednesday. The delegation was led by Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), Special Adviser on Security to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, alongside the State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, and the Ilejemeje Council Chairman, Pius Alaba.

The monarch assured authorities of the community’s readiness to cooperate fully in efforts to curb further attacks and restore security.

Providing more details, the council chairman confirmed that among those abducted is a family of four, including a mother and her three children. He noted that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of all victims.

The Ekiti State Government has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as heinous and unacceptable. Commissioner for Information Taiwo Olatunbosun said the government was working with security agencies to ensure the victims are rescued and the perpetrators brought to justice.

In response, authorities have deployed a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups. The government also confirmed the deployment of troops from the 148th Battalion of the Nigerian Army to the affected area, alongside intensified surveillance operations aimed at tracking down the kidnappers and preventing further breaches.

The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, particularly attacks targeting religious gatherings and rural communities.