The Ekiti State Government has pledged to bear the full cost of medical treatment for victims of the Eda Oniyo kidnapping incident.
The victims were abducted in April while attending an open-air crusade organised by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and were rescued around midnight on Friday after spending 67 days in captivity.
Following their rescue, they were taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, for medical attention.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, during a visit to the victims at the hospital, said the government would also provide psychological support to aid their recovery and reintegration into society.
The governor was received by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, and the Acting Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Oladele Olatunya.
Oyebanji assured residents of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
He expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims and described their experience as traumatic.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen security across the state.
“Decisive measures are being taken to strengthen security across the state and make Ekiti unwelcoming for criminal elements,” he said.
He cautioned residents against politicising security and kidnapping issues, stressing that such matters should not be trivialised or used for political gains.
Oyebanji also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to improve the country’s security architecture.
He praised the Nigeria Police Force, the military, other security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the Eda Oniyo Community Development Association for their collaboration and intelligence gathering, which contributed to the successful rescue operation.
Describing the abduction of the worshippers as unfortunate and unacceptable, the governor said ensuring security required collective responsibility.
He expressed satisfaction with the condition of the victims, noting that they were stable and responding to treatment, including a child who had initially been unconscious but had regained consciousness.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mr Akin Oluwayemi thanked the governor and security agencies for their efforts and appealed for a sustained security presence in border communities to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, the governor also paid the medical bills of three indigent patients at EKSUTH who had remained in the hospital despite being discharged because they could not afford to settle their bills.
Oyebanji, who noticed the patients while leaving the ward, cleared their outstanding medical bills amounting to N2 million and directed that they be discharged to reunite with their families.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Fasuba Taiwo thanked the governor for the gesture and prayed for the success of his administration.
