The abductors of 15 worshippers from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) No. 2 in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, have demanded a N1 billion ransom for their release.

The victims were kidnapped on Tuesday during a night vigil in an attack that also resulted in the tragic death of a guest pastor. The Eleda of Eda-Oniyo, Oba Joseph Awolola, disclosed the staggering ransom demand on Wednesday during a visit by a high-powered state government delegation.

According to the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Mr. Pius Alaba, the kidnapped group includes a mother and her three children. He assured the community that coordinated efforts are underway to secure the safe return of all captives.

Oba Awolola expressed the local traditional council’s commitment to partnering with the government to eradicate such “ugly incidents” from the area.

The Ekiti State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Taiwo Olatunbosun, has condemned the assault as “heinous and unacceptable.”

In a swift escalation of security measures, the state has initiated the following actions:

• High-Level Coordination: A security team led by the Special Adviser on Security, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), along with State Commissioner of Police Mr. Michael Falade, has been deployed to the community.

• Military Intervention: The 148 Battalion of the Nigerian Army has been ordered to the area to lead on-ground operations.

• Joint Task Force: The Army is collaborating with the Nigeria Police, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes to track the perpetrators.

• Total Surveillance: Full-scale surveillance operations have been activated to monitor the forest axes and prevent further breaches.

The government has extended its condolences to the bereaved family of the slain pastor and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring the victims in captivity return home safely.