Relief and grief swept through Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State on Saturday after the worshippers abducted during a deadly church attack regained their freedom following more than two months in captivity.
While families welcomed the return of the survivors, the community was left mourning after one of the victims was confirmed to have died before the group's release.
The victims were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) crusade in Eda Oniyo, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
During the attack, the assailants killed the presiding pastor before abducting 16 worshippers, including women, elderly persons and children.
The abduction sparked widespread outrage across Ekiti State and beyond, with residents staging protests and repeatedly calling on security agencies and government authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
The incident also attracted national attention after members of the House of Representatives demanded urgent intervention and justice for those affected.
According to reports, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦1 billion as ransom before reducing the amount several times.
Community members eventually raised about ₦10.5 million and supplied food items and other materials requested by the abductors, but the victims remained in captivity for several more weeks as additional demands reportedly followed.
Following their release, community sources confirmed that one of the abductees did not survive the ordeal.
Although details surrounding the victim's death have not been fully disclosed, the tragic development has deepened the sorrow of residents who had hoped every captive would return home safely.
The release of the worshippers brings an end to months of anxiety for affected families, many of whom had repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government, the Ekiti State Government and security agencies for assistance.
Throughout the period of captivity, relatives organised peaceful demonstrations and continued to seek public support for the victims' rescue.
The Eda Oniyo attack became one of the most disturbing security incidents recorded in Ekiti State this year and renewed concerns about rising kidnapping activities in rural communities, especially those located near forest corridors that stretch across neighbouring states.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that criminal groups exploit these difficult terrains to evade arrest after carrying out attacks.
The incident also prompted renewed calls for stronger security presence around vulnerable communities.
Residents and community leaders have urged both the federal and state governments to establish additional security formations and improve intelligence gathering to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Although the victims have now regained their freedom, authorities are expected to continue investigations aimed at identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the attack.
Community members have also appealed for medical, psychological and humanitarian support for the survivors as they recover from the trauma of their prolonged captivity.
The return of the worshippers has brought relief to Eda Oniyo, but the death of one captive and the earlier killing of the church pastor remain painful reminders of the devastating impact of insecurity on rural communities.
Residents hope the tragedy will lead to stronger and more coordinated security measures capable of preventing future attacks on places of worship and innocent citizens.