Outrage in Ekiti as Kidnappers Demand Fresh ₦50Million After Collecting ₦10.5Million Ransom, 16 Church Worshippers Still Held 36 Days After Abduction

Residents of Eda-Oniyo Community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State have taken to the streets in a peaceful protest over the continued captivity of 16 church worshippers who were abducted during a church service more than a month ago, despite the payment of ₦10.5 million ransom and other items demanded by their kidnappers.

The demonstrators, comprising community leaders, women, youths, and family members of the victims, expressed frustration over what they described as the prolonged silence and inadequate response from security agencies and government authorities regarding the fate of their loved ones.

The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) during a worship service in Eda-Oniyo. The attackers reportedly opened fire, causing panic among worshippers. During the deadly invasion, the church's presiding pastor was killed, while 16 worshippers were forcefully taken away into the forest.

Thirty-six days after the incident, the abductees remain in captivity, deepening fears among their relatives and residents of the agrarian community.

According to community members, the kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ₦1 billion ransom for the release of the victims. Following negotiations, the demand was reduced to ₦150 million and later to ₦50 million.

Desperate to save the captives, residents embarked on a massive fundraising campaign and were able to raise ₦10.5 million. In addition to the cash payment, they reportedly provided several items requested by the kidnappers, including bags of rice, fuel, cigarettes, and other supplies.

However, despite meeting these demands, the abductors allegedly refused to release the victims and have instead insisted on receiving an additional ₦50 million before considering their freedom.

Speaking during the protest, community leader, Ayodele Ajayi, said residents had exhausted their financial resources and could no longer bear the burden alone.

"Our people have been in captivity for 36 days. We contributed what we could as a community and paid ₦10.5 million to the kidnappers, hoping our loved ones would be released. Unfortunately, they have refused to let them go and are demanding even more money," he said.

Ajayi disclosed that most of the victims are women, while two of them are young boys, making the situation even more heartbreaking for the affected families.

"There are 16 victims in total. Many of them are mothers and elderly women. The emotional and psychological trauma on their families is unbearable. We are appealing to the federal and state governments, security agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to come to our rescue," he added.

Another resident, Mrs. Ajayi, lamented that vulnerable members of the community, including children and elderly persons, remained at the mercy of their captors despite the sacrifices made by residents.

"We raised ₦10.5 million, supplied two bags of rice, fuel, cigarettes, and every other item they requested. Yet our people are still being held. We do not know what else to do. We are begging the government to intervene before it is too late," she said.

Also speaking, a resident identified as Oni described the process of delivering the ransom as traumatic and dangerous. According to him, representatives of the community travelled through parts of Kwara and Kogi states and trekked for hours through remote forests before finally reaching the kidnappers' hideout to hand over the money and supplies.

"The entire process was terrifying. Community representatives risked their lives, travelling across difficult terrains and deep forests just to secure the release of our people. Yet the kidnappers have refused to keep their promise," he said.

The protesters used the occasion to call for urgent security interventions in the area. They demanded the establishment of a permanent security post in Eda-Oniyo and the deployment of a military base along the Ekiti-Kwara border, which they described as a major corridor frequently exploited by criminal gangs operating across the region.

According to the residents, the lack of a strong security presence has left communities along the border vulnerable to repeated attacks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.

The protest highlights growing concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common, leaving rural communities trapped between fear, uncertainty, and financial devastation.