The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the death of one of the worshippers abducted during an attack on a church in the state, while announcing the rescue of the remaining victims.
The worshippers were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, after armed men invaded Christ Apostolic Church, Eda-Oniyo, during a worship service.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, said the victims were rescued through sustained intelligence-led operations conducted by the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.
Abutu disclosed that the rescued worshippers had been taken to hospital for medical evaluation and treatment to determine their health condition following their release.
The Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, commended the professionalism, resilience and cooperation of all security agencies involved in the operation, noting that their coordinated efforts led to the successful rescue of the victims.
He also lauded the Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for its continued support for security agencies, describing it as instrumental to the success of the rescue operation.
The police commissioner further appreciated residents of the state for their vigilance and for providing timely and credible intelligence that aided security efforts.
Abutu added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction and bring them to justice. He assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.
