Gunmen Demand N1bn Ransom for 15 Abducted Ekiti Worshippers
Abductors of 15 worshippers kidnapped during a night vigil in Ekiti State have demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom for their release, throwing the Eda-Oniyo community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area into panic.
The victims were reportedly abducted on Tuesday night when gunmen stormed a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda-Oniyo during a vigil, opened fire on worshippers and whisked several of them into the bush. A visiting pastor was also killed during the attack, further deepening fear and outrage in the community.
Confirming the development, the Eleda of Eda-Oniyo, Oba Joseph Awolola, said the kidnappers had contacted the community and demanded N1 billion to secure the release of the victims. The monarch said the demand has heightened tension among residents as families and local leaders continue to await the safe return of those abducted.
The Ekiti State Police Command has since launched a manhunt for the attackers, with security operatives including the military, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes combing nearby forests in search of the victims and their abductors.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the attack, describing it as a brutal assault on human dignity and freedom of worship, while calling for the immediate rescue of the abducted worshippers and the arrest of those responsible.
Sources: The Nation, THISDAY, Daily Trust, Vanguard, The Sun.