₦airaland Forum

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.

Governor Oyebanji, who 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, strongly condemned the incident, assuring 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.

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.

The victims, who were abducted in Eda Oniyo, a boundary community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, regained their freedom after over 60 days in captivity following a joint security operation.

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.

Babangidapikin:
APC rice supplier should come and supply rice to this victim so they can gain back small weight.

Menclothing1:
Anyone causing pain to innocent people for political or religious belief you all will receive the wrath of God everything in ur hands shall dry

osuofia2:
Signs of failed state , tinubu time to get rid of those Terrotists

Babangidapikin:
APC rice supplier should come and supply rice to this victim so they can gain back small weight.

Gotocourt:
The government is complicit

EDGEof2MORO:
the year is 2026 and Nigerians still act like kidnapping is a problem that can not be stopped... as if the criminals are ghosts

osuofia2:
Signs of failed state , tinubu time to get rid of those Terrotists

omoredia:
When una allow heartless leaders to rule this is the result. A bad person has nothing good to offer