RESIDENTS of Eda-Oniyo Community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State have staged a peaceful protest, appealing to the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently intervene in the prolonged captivity of 16 residents kidnapped over a month ago.
The demonstrators, including community leaders, women, youths, and relatives of the victims, revealed that the abductees have spent 36 days in captivity despite the community raising and paying ₦10.5 million to the kidnappers.
According to them, the kidnappers are now demanding an additional ₦50 million before releasing the victims.
The incident occurred on April 28, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) during a church service in Eda-Oniyo.
The attackers reportedly killed the presiding pastor and abducted 16 worshippers.
Community members disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ₦1 billion ransom, which was later reduced to ₦150 million and subsequently lowered to ₦50 million.
Despite the community’s efforts to raise funds and meet some of the kidnappers’ demands, the victims remain in captivity.
Speaking during the protest, community leader Ayodele Ajayi expressed frustration over the situation, noting that communication with the captives had continued sporadically but had yielded no positive outcome.
He appealed to authorities to intervene and secure the safe return of the victims, most of whom are women, alongside two young boys.
Another resident, Mrs. Ajayi, highlighted the humanitarian impact of the incident, revealing that children as young as two and three years old, as well as an elderly woman above 80 years, are among those being held.
She described the emotional and psychological toll on affected families, many of whom remain uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.
A community representative, Ayodele Oni, stated that residents had gone to great lengths to meet the kidnappers’ demands, providing not only money but also food items, fuel, and cigarettes.
He alleged that those assigned to deliver the ransom endured a difficult journey through parts of Kwara and Kogi states and trekked deep into forest areas before handing over the payment.
The community is also calling for stronger security measures, including the establishment of a security post in Eda-Oniyo and a military base along the Ekiti-Kwara border.
Residents believe the absence of adequate security infrastructure has contributed to the increasing vulnerability of the area to attacks by armed criminal groups.
The protest adds to growing concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in parts of the country, with residents urging authorities to take decisive action to secure the release of the victims and prevent future attacks.
