Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday visited victims of the Eda Oniyo kidnap incident at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, where they are currently receiving treatment following their release.
The Governor’s visit came barely 24 hours after the victims were admitted to the hospital on his directive.
The victims, members of a church in Eda Oniyo, were among 22 persons rescued by the Kogi-Kwara joint security forces on Saturday night after spending over two months in captivity in forests along the Kogi-Kwara border.
During the visit, Oyebanji commended the bravery of the security agencies and local vigilantes for the successful operation.
He assured residents that decisive steps are being taken to safeguard lives and property, as well as make the state hot for criminal elements.
He cautioned residents against politicising security and kidnapping issues, stressing that matters of security must not be trivialised.
While commiserating with the victims at their wards, the Governor expressed gratitude to God for their safe return. He described their ordeal as painful and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Governor Oyebanji reiterated that the state government would bear the full cost of the victims’ medical treatment and provide psychological support to aid their recovery and reintegration into society. He also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in strengthening security architecture across the states.
The Governor praised security agencies for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue and also appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the Eda Oniyo Community Development Association for providing valuable intelligence during the operation.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the Governor said it was unacceptable for individuals to be attacked while worshipping, adding that collective responsibility is required to ensure safety.
He expressed satisfaction with the victims’ condition, noting that all of them were stable and responding to treatment, including a child who had earlier been unconscious but had regained consciousness.
Governor Oyebanji, was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, and the Acting Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Oladele Olatunya.
On behalf of the victims, a relative, Mr. Akin Oluwayemi, expressed appreciation to the Governor and security agencies for their efforts, while calling for a sustained security presence in border communities to prevent future occurrences.
In a related development, Governor Oyebanji also settled the medical bills of three indigent patients at the hospital who had been unable to pay after discharge.
The Governor, who noticed the patients while leaving the ward, immediately offset their bills—amounting to over two million naira—and directed that they be discharged to reunite with their families.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Fasuba Taiwo expressed gratitude to the Governor and offered prayers for his family and administration.
