Ekiti orders free medical treatment for rescued kidnapped worshippers

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) to provide free and comprehensive medical treatment for worshippers recently rescued from captivity after being abducted by gunmen in the state.

The victims, members of the Eda-Oniyo Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), were rescued following coordinated security operations involving multiple agencies.

The governor’s directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode.

According to the statement, Oyebanji also instructed the Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee the welfare of the rescued worshippers and ensure that all medical expenses incurred during their treatment are fully covered by the state government.

The victims are currently receiving medical attention at EKSUTH, where they will remain under close observation until they are certified medically fit to reunite with their families.

Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support, which he said contributed to the successful rescue of the worshippers.

He also commended the heads of security agencies, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, leaders of the Eda-Oniyo community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for their collective efforts in securing the victims’ safe release.

The governor urged individuals politicising the incident on social media to desist, stressing that security challenges should not be exploited for partisan interests but addressed through collective support for efforts to build a safer and more secure Ekiti.

Earlier, the Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the rescue of the worshippers, attributing the success to sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated action involving the Nigeria Police Force, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and the Ekiti State Government.

Police spokesman, SP Sunday Abutu, said the victims were immediately taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment to assess their health condition and ensure they received adequate care.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo Adegoke Falade, praised the professionalism, commitment and synergy among security agencies and other stakeholders, noting that their collaboration was instrumental in the successful rescue operation.

He also appreciated residents for their vigilance and timely provision of credible information, assuring that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest those behind the abduction and bring them to justice. (NAN)