The Eleda of Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Oba Julius Awolola, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his role in securing the release of abducted residents of the community.
The traditional ruler gave the commendation on Sunday in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, during a visit by a state government delegation to the family of one of the victims who died in captivity.
The delegation visited the family of Mrs Rachael Olomi, 82, to sympathise with them over her death while in the custody of the kidnappers.
The abduction occurred on April 28, when armed men invaded an open church crusade in Eda Oniyo and took several worshippers away.
The presiding pastor was reportedly shot dead during the attack.
Another victim later died in captivity before the remaining abductees regained freedom on July 2 after 66 days.
Oba Awolola thanked Oyebanji for not abandoning the community after the incident.
He said the governor showed leadership by quietly pursuing the safe return of the victims.
According to the monarch, security matters are sensitive and cannot always be discussed publicly.
He said the community remained grateful to the governor and would visit him personally in Ado-Ekiti to express appreciation.
Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, assured residents that the state government would not bow to the activities of kidnappers.
He said the administration had strengthened its security framework to confront criminal groups attempting to create fear and instability in Ekiti communities.
Oyebanji said security agencies had been directed to intensify operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements.
According to him, the state will increase forest combing, border surveillance and round-the-clock patrols to reduce kidnapping and banditry.
The governor explained that the victims could have been released earlier if the government had chosen a forceful approach.
He said security agencies adopted a careful strategy to avoid further loss of life while the victims were still in captivity.
Oyebanji said the prolonged abduction and the death of one of the victims caused him deep emotional pain.
He, however, said the release of the other abductees alive was a major consolation to the government, the community and the victims’ families.
The governor commended security agencies, Amotekun corps members, local hunters, traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders for their support during the crisis.
He urged the people of Eda Oniyo not to believe claims on social media that the government did not value them.
Oyebanji said the government took several steps behind the scenes to secure the release of the victims.
He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The governor also warned that internal collaboration could not be ruled out in such incidents and urged community leaders to encourage youths to be patriotic and security-conscious.
He further appealed to the community to receive the released victims warmly whenever they return home.
Oyebanji said the freed victims remained part of the community and should be supported as they recover from the trauma of captivity.
The incident has again raised concerns over insecurity in border communities and the need for stronger collaboration between residents, traditional institutions and security agencies.
