The Eleda of Eda Oniyo Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Julius Awolola and his subjects have commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for playing significant roles in the release of the 14 abducted residents of the town from kidnappers’ den after 66 days in caparivity .
These encomiums came to the fore as Governor Oyebanji visited the home of an 82-year old victim, Mrs Rachael Aina Olomi, who died in captivity, to commiserate with them, urging them to take solace in the fact that the deceased served God to the end of her life.
Some gun-wielding kidnappers, had on April 28, 2026 invaded an open church crusade being held in Eda Oniyo and kidnapped 15 worshippers, while the presiding Pastor was shot and died on the spot.
While one died in the captivity, the 14 others were released on July 2 to reunite with their families and are now receiving intensive medicare in one of the health facilities in the state on Governor Oyebanji’s directive.
Speaking during the governor’s visit to the community on Sunday, to congratulate them on the safe return of the hostages, Oba Awolola, praised the governor for zealously pursuing the release of the victims and for not abandoning the people since the incident happened.
“We thank Governor Oyebanji for what he did, in fact, we are really grateful to him. He did what a leader should do, because issue if security can’t be announced openly. We are coming to personally thank him in Ado Ekiti”.
Applauding the government for its role in the release, the second in command to Eleda, Chief Daramola Bankole, said the governor played the role he was supposed to discharge as a leader, saying those castigating him out of ignorance shouldn’t be taken serious.
“We appreciate the governor for playing a significant role. He has demonstrated that he was a leader who places value on the security and welfare of his people. Everybody was pained by the abduction, including the governor. We are grateful to him”.
Also in her commendation, the Lawmaker representing Ilemejemeje Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon Iyabo Fakunle Okiemen, appreciated Governor Oyebanji for putting high premium value on the welfare of Ekiti residents, particularly the seriousness he demonstrated in ensuring that the captives regained freedom.
Okiemen said those dragging the government on social media over the kidnap were only oblivious of the security measures the government covertly devised to ensure that the abductees came back alive.
“The governor doesn’t joke with issue of security at all. He had promised to build a police station here in Eda Oniyo. He also beef up security and checkpoints around Ilejemeje council. What else could he have done? He indeed acted as a true leader”.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji assured the citizens that his administration won’t succumb to the antics of kidnappers, saying the government had erected security architectures that would smash the terror syndicates trying to terrorise the citizens and spark off tension in the system .
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said he had given a marching order to the security forces to redouble efforts and tame the activities of terror groups through intensive forest combing measure and 24 hours patrol across borders to stem the tides of kidnapping and banditry across the state.
The governor said the abductees would have long been released, if the government resorted to force, but said the security agencies decided to carry out subtle operation to prevent more casualties.
Oyebanji said the long abduction of the 15 victims and the eventual loss of one of them gave him serious psychological torture, but expressed elation that other abductees were freed alive to rejoin with their families, describing this as a major consolation.
He saluted the security agencies, men of the Amotekun corps , local hunters, traditional rulers and community leaders, and religious leaders across denominations for their concerns and compassion for the victims throughout the tension soaked period, describing this as buttressing the fact that humanity comes first in governance and behavioural patterns of all citizens.
“Kabiyesi, I am happy that our people came back alive to reunite with their families. Their kidnap put all of us in serious trauma. As a leader, I am committed to ensuring that all our residents are safe and secure wherever they may be.
“I once again commiserate with the family of the person who died in the captivity. Her death was a sad event”.
On the criticism of the government’s position on the matter on social media, Oyebanji said: “Please, don’t believe what some people were saying on social media that we don’t value you. We regard you as part of Ekiti. We did a lot underground on this matter. But this is something we could do forcefully, so that we won’t record more casualties in captivity.
“I plead with you to be security conscious and be vigilant. Kindly report whatever suspicious movement you notice because you can’t rule out internal connivance in this matter. You have to warn your youths to be patriotic. And anytime the freed victims came into town, kindly accept them with open arms. They are part of you”.
