Kidnapped Ekiti Worshippers Regain Freedom After 67 Days In Captivity

After 67 days in captivity, fifteen worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igbala, Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, who were abducted during a church revival programme, have regained their freedom.

Saturday NEWSCALL gathered that the victims were released on Friday night, July 3, bringing an end to more than two months of uncertainty for their families and the community.

Following their arrival, the freed worshippers were taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment after enduring weeks of physical and psychological trauma in captivity.

Recall that the victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded a revival programme at the church’s prayer mountain in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti.

The attackers reportedly opened fire during the service, killing a pastor before abducting 15 worshippers and leading them into a nearby forest.

Confirming the development on Saturday, a community leader said the abductees had finally regained their freedom after prolonged negotiations and uncertainty.

The community leader, however, disclosed that one of the victims died while in captivity, describing the loss as a tragic development for the bereaved family and the entire community.

The circumstances surrounding the victim’s death were not immediately disclosed.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ekiti State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the release of the worshippers or provide details of the circumstances that led to their freedom.

Efforts to obtain comments from the command’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.