The Ekiti Government is to cover the full cost of medical treatment for the victims of the Eda Oniyo kidnapping.
NPO Reported that the Ekiti State Police Command rescued the victims abducted during the open air crusade attack that occurred in April 28 at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eda-Oniyo.
The Victims were rescued around midnight on Friday after 67 days in captivity.
Following their rescue, they were transported to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti.
The Governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji, who visited the victims, said the state government will also provide psychological support to facilitate their recovery and reintegration into society.
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, assured residents of the government’s commitment to protect lives and property.
The Governor thanked God for their safe return and described their ordeal as traumatic.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.
“Decisive measures are being taken to strengthen security across the state and make Ekiti unwelcoming for criminal elements,” he saud.
The governor cautioned residents against politicising security and kidnapping issues, stressing that security should not be trivialised or exploited for political purposes.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
Oyebanji 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, which contributed to the successful rescue of the victims.
He described the attack on worshippers as unfortunate and unacceptable, adding that ensuring security required collective responsibility.
The governor 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, appreciated the governor and security agencies for their efforts and appealed for sustained security presence in border communities to prevent future occurrences.
In another development, Oyebanji also settled the medical bills of three indigent patients at EKSUTH who had remained in the hospital after discharge due to their inability to defray their bills.
The governor, who noticed the patients while leaving the ward, paid the outstanding bills of N2m, and directed that they should 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.