Outrage in Ekiti as Gunmen Demand N1bn for Abducted Worshippers

Tension is mounting in Ekiti State after gunmen who abducted 15 worshippers during a church vigil demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom for their release.

The Eleda of Eda-Oniyo, Oba Joseph Awolola, disclosed the demand following Tuesday night’s attack at Christ Apostolic Church No. 2 in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, where a guest pastor was killed.

The incident, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, has drawn widespread concern, with state authorities moving swiftly to contain the situation.

A government delegation led by Ebenezer Ogundana, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, visited the affected community alongside Police Commissioner Michael Falade and council chairman Pius Alaba.

The monarch pledged the community’s full cooperation with authorities to prevent further violence.

Alaba disclosed that the abductees include a family of four—a mother and her three children—while confirming that efforts were ongoing to secure their freedom.

Condemning the attack, Information Commissioner Taiwo Olatunbosun described it as “heinous and unacceptable.”

“The government extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims who died and assures them of its commitment to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity,” he said.

Authorities have since launched a coordinated security response involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups.

The state government also deployed the 148th Battalion of the Nigerian Army and activated extensive surveillance operations to locate the kidnappers and prevent further breaches.

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