Oyebanji visits freed Ekiti kidnap victims, thanks Tinubu, security agencies

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Sunday visited the victims of the Eda Oniyo kidnapping at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, where they are receiving medical attention following their release from captivity after about 66 days.

The victims, comprising women and children, regained their freedom in the early hours of Saturday after they were abducted during a programme at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo on April 28.

During the attack on the church, a pastor was killed, while 16 worshippers were marched into the bush by the kidnappers. One of the victims died in captivity, while the remaining 15 regained their freedom on Saturday.

The governor, who visited each of the victims at the hospital’s emergency and children’s wards, expressed delight over their release, saying he was pleased that they were stable and responding well to treatment.

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

“Since yesterday (Saturday), we brought them here to take care of them and ensure that they are medically sound. I have instructed that the state will bear the cost of their treatment and everything that happens between now and when they are discharged. I will also engage psychologists to counsel them with a view to reintegrating them with their family members.”

The governor thanked God for the victims’ release, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support, and commended the efforts of security agencies, including members of the Hunters’ Association.

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He said, “I must particularly place on record my commendation for the efforts of members of the Eda Oniyo Progressives Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria and other well-meaning indigenes of Ekiti State who supported us in ensuring that the kidnap victims were finally released.”

Oyebanji, however, advised residents against politicising security issues.

“We should be our brothers’ keepers. The safety of every Ekiti indigene should be our concern, and there should be a limit to politics.

“I will advise our people that when things like this happen, they should not weaponise them or play politics with them. It was so shocking that some people decided to play politics with this unfortunate incident,” he said.

Recall that the governor had on Saturday directed the management of EKSUTH to provide comprehensive medical screening and treatment for the victims.

According to a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor also instructed the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to take full responsibility for overseeing the victims’ welfare and well-being, with the state government covering all medical expenses incurred during their treatment.

Oyebode added that the freed victims, who are currently receiving care at the teaching hospital, “will remain under medical supervision until they are certified fit for reintegration with their families.”