Oyebanji met rescued kidnap victim Eda Oniyo, and assured her of complete medical treatment

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has visited the abductees at the Eda Oniyo church at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado Ekiti, where they received treatment after being released after spending about 66 days in captivity.

The governor’s visit came a day after the victims—mostly women and children—regained their freedom early Saturday morning. They were abducted on April 28 while attending a function at Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo.

The attack claimed the life of a priest, while 16 worshipers were forced into the forest by their kidnappers. During the period of captivity, one of the victims died, leaving 15 survivors who were eventually released.

Moving from ward to ward, Oyebanji met with victims in the hospital’s emergency department and children’s unit, where he was briefed on their medical conditions.

Speaking after the visit, the governor expressed relief that the survivors had responded positively to treatment and said their recovery remained the government’s top priority.

“I am happy that they are back. I am happy that the little ones who were unconscious yesterday (Saturday) are now conscious. All of them are stable and responding to medical treatment. I commend the EKSUTH staff for a job well done.

“Since yesterday (Saturday), we brought them here to treat them and ensure that they are medically fit. I have instructed that the state will cover their medical expenses and everything that happens between now and when they are discharged from the hospital. I will also involve a psychologist to provide counseling to them with the aim of reintegrating them with their family members.”

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Oyebanji expressed his gratitude for the safe return of the victims, thanking God for their release. He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and commended various security agencies and members of the Hunters Association for their efforts during the rescue operation.

The governor also acknowledged the contributions of community groups and religious organizations that are supporting the state government’s efforts during this difficult time.

“I must particularly express my praise for the efforts of the members of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Association, the Nigerian Christian Association and other indigenous peoples in Ekiti State who supported us in ensuring that the abductees were ultimately released.”

While speaking on the broader security situation, Oyebanji appealed to citizens not to turn security challenges into political contests, stressing that protecting lives must remain a shared responsibility.

“We must be our brothers’ keeper. The safety of every Ekiti indigene must be our concern, and politics must have limits.

“I would advise our people that when something like this happens, they should not arm them or play politics with them. It is surprising that some people decided to play politics with this unfortunate incident,” he said.

The day before the visit to the hospital, the Governor had directed EKSUTH management to provide immediate and comprehensive medical treatment to all rescued victims.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor also instructed the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee the welfare of the victims during their recovery, and the state government to take full responsibility for all medical expenses.

According to the statement, the survivors will continue to receive specialized medical care at the teaching hospital and **”will remain under medical supervision until they are deemed fit to reintegrate with their families.”**