One of the victims abducted during the recent attack on a church in Odo Ayedun, Ise/Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, has recounted the hardship his family faced in securing the captives’ release.
According to a video published by Channels Television on Saturday, July 4, 2026, the victim said the ransom demanded by the kidnappers was beyond what their families could afford. “There was no way we could see the money they wanted, so we gave up everything,” he said, adding that the families pleaded with the abductors to accept what they had, a request he said was eventually granted.
After regaining their freedom in the early hours of Saturday, the victims were taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti for medical examination and treatment.
Former Ekiti State Commissioner Rufus Ajayi expressed gratitude for the victims’ safe return, while Ise/Orun Local Government Chairman Pius Alaba described the release as a mixture of relief and sorrow, noting that one person was killed during the attack.
Alaba said the council has intensified security efforts and directed churches in the area to conclude activities by 4:00 p.m. daily to reduce the risk of further attacks.
