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Fourteen worshippers who were abducted during a Christ Apostolic Church crusade in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti have regained their freedom after spending more than two months in captivity.
The victims were reportedly released in the early hours of Friday, July 3, 2026, bringing an end to an ordeal that began with a deadly attack on an open-air church programme in April.
The development was disclosed by counter-insurgency and security analyst Zagazola Makama, who reports extensively on security issues across Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.
According to Makama, the freed worshippers regained their freedom around midnight before being taken to a medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment and undergoing thorough medical examinations.
The victims are said to be in fragile condition after enduring weeks in captivity, with doctors assessing both their physical health and psychological wellbeing.
However, the release was overshadowed by tragedy as one of the abducted worshippers reportedly died while being held by the kidnappers.
The deceased was among the 15 church members initially taken away during the attack, reducing the number of survivors to 14.
Makama disclosed that those who returned were in poor physical and emotional condition after spending more than two months in the custody of their abductors.
“One of the 15 abducted worshippers died while in captivity. The remaining victims are said to be in critical physical and emotional condition following their ordeal,” he said.
The incident dates back to April 28, 2026, when suspected gunmen stormed an open-air evangelistic crusade organised by the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers invaded the gathering unexpectedly, causing panic among worshippers.
During the assault, the officiating pastor was reportedly killed, while 15 members of the congregation were forcefully taken away by the armed men to an unknown location.
The attack sparked widespread concern among residents and religious communities, with calls for intensified security measures to protect places of worship across the country.
Families of the abducted worshippers spent weeks hoping for their safe return as security agencies continued efforts to secure their release.
Although the victims have now regained their freedom, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding their release.
As of the time of reporting, authorities had not issued an official statement explaining whether the victims were rescued by security forces, released following negotiations or freed after the payment of ransom.
Government officials have also not disclosed the identities of those responsible for carrying out the attack or whether any arrests have been made.
The absence of official details has left many residents seeking answers about the incident and the measures being taken to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The release of the worshippers nevertheless brings relief to their families, who had endured months of uncertainty while awaiting news about their loved ones.
Medical personnel are expected to continue monitoring the survivors to ensure they receive the physical and emotional support needed to recover from the traumatic experience.
Meanwhile, security agencies are expected to continue investigations aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible for the deadly attack, which claimed the life of the officiating pastor and one of the kidnapped worshippers.
The incident adds to growing concerns over attacks on religious gatherings and communities in parts of Nigeria, with many calling for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further tragedies.
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