OYEBANJI ORDERS FREE HEALTHCARE FOR RELEASED KIDNAP VICTIMS

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Following the release of the Eda Oniyo kidnapping victims, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, to conduct thorough medical screening and provide comprehensive treatment for them.

In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, it was also disclosed that the State Ministry of Health and Human Services has been tasked with overseeing the victims’ welfare and wellbeing, while the state government will bear all medical expenses incurred during their care.

The victims, who regained freedom from their captors in the early hours of Saturday, were kidnapped at Eda Oniyo in the Ilejemeje Local Government area of Ekiti State on April 28, 2026, during a programme at Christ Apostolic Church in the community.

The kidnappers had, during the attack, shot dead a pastor in the church in April, while one of the kidnapped persons also died in captivity

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

He stated that “Governor Oyebanji expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support in ensuring the safe return of the victims.”

He also commended heads of all security agencies in the state, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, leaders of the Eda Oniyo community, and the State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, along with other stakeholders, for their roles in securing the victims’ release.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, the governor urged those politicising the incident on social media to desist and instead work with the government towards building a safer and more prosperous state.

Oyebanji also expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of one of the victims who sadly died while in captivity.