Ekiti Church Kidnapping: 14 Worshippers Freed After Months in Captivity as One Victim Dies

Fourteen worshippers abducted during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church crusade in Ekiti State have been freed after months in captivity, while one victim reportedly died before their release.

The victims’ release was disclosed in a report obtained by PulseNets from counter-insurgency and security analyst Zagazola Makama, who covers security developments across the Lake Chad region.

According to the report, the worshippers were freed around midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026, and were immediately taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment and undergoing medical evaluation following their prolonged captivity.

PulseNets learnt from the report that one of the 15 worshippers abducted during the attack died while in captivity, while the remaining 14 victims were released in what was described as a critical physical and emotional condition.

The worshippers were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, after suspected gunmen reportedly invaded an open-air crusade organised by the Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti.

The report further stated that the officiating pastor was killed during the attack, while the 15 worshippers were whisked away by the assailants to an undisclosed location.

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“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.”

As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to issue an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release or identifying those behind the deadly attack.