Ekiti government orders free treatment for saved believers

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has directed the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) to provide free and comprehensive medical care to recently rescued kidnapping victims in the State.

The directive followed the rescue and release of worshipers of the Eda-Oniyo Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), who were abducted by gunmen in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode.

Oyebode said the governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support in ensuring the safe return of worshipers.

He said Oyebanji directed the Ministry of Health and Human Services to supervise the welfare and well-being of the rescued worshippers, including all medical expenses incurred during their treatment.

The victims are currently receiving treatment at EKSUTH and will remain under medical supervision until they are certified fit to reunite with their families.

Oyebanji commended heads of security agencies, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, leaders of the Eda-Oniyo community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for their roles in ensuring the rescue and release of the victims.

The governor urged people politicizing the incident on social media to desist and instead support efforts to build a safer and more prosperous state.

The Ekiti Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, had earlier announced the rescue and release of the abducted worshipers in a statement released on Saturday.

According to the statement, the victims were rescued through continuous intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts involving the Nigerian Police Force, Army, other security agencies, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti Government.

The statement added that the rescued victims were taken to hospital for medical tests and treatment to ascertain their health condition and ensure that they received adequate medical care.

Ekiti Police Commissioner, Falade Adegoroye, commended the dedication, professionalism and synergy demonstrated by security stakeholders, stressing that their collective efforts led to the successful rescue of the victims.

He also applauded residents for their continued cooperation, vigilance and timely provision of credible information to security agencies.

Adegoroye said efforts were being intensified to arrest those responsible for the kidnapping and bring them to justice.