The Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Pius Alabi, has described the release of worshippers abducted during an attack on a church in Legbe community as a moment of mixed emotions following the death of one victim.
Speaking in a video aired by Channels Television on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Alabi said, “We are so happy, but today I’m happy and I’m sad because we see our people back home, but I’m sad because of someone we lost.”
The abducted victims regained their freedom in the early hours of Saturday and were taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti for medical evaluation and treatment.
Alabi commended the Ekiti State Government for its support during the ordeal and said the local government has continued to organise security summits aimed at improving community safety and preventing future attacks.
Earlier, community representative and former Ekiti State commissioner Rufus Ajayi said residents fasted and prayed throughout the victims’ captivity despite the kidnappers’ ransom demands, expressing gratitude for their safe return.
