Fifteen residents of Eda Oniyo community in Nigeria’s southwestern Ekiti State, who were abducted by armed kidnappers during a night vigil at a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), have been rescued following a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies.
The victims were seized on April 28 when heavily armed assailants stormed the church during an overnight worship session, sparking widespread concern and renewed fears over the growing wave of kidnappings targeting religious gatherings and rural communities across the country.
Authorities said the victims regained their freedom after an intensive joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian military, the Ekiti State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local hunters, vigilante groups and other security agencies.
Following their rescue, all 15 victims were taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), where they are receiving medical attention and undergoing routine health assessments after weeks in captivity.
Security officials described the operation as a product of sustained intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and community support, although details surrounding the circumstances of the rescue have not yet been disclosed.
The successful operation has been welcomed by residents, who have continued to call for stronger security measures to curb the persistent threat of abductions in parts of the country.
Authorities have also reiterated their commitment to intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and other violent crimes, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence.
