Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday visited victims of the recent Eda Oniyo kidnap incident at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, where he warned against politicising security matters and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The governor, who visited the victims less than 24 hours after directing that they be admitted for treatment following their release, assured residents that his administration was taking decisive steps to improve security and ensure the state remained hostile to criminal elements.
While meeting the victims in their hospital wards, Oyebanji thanked God for their safe return and described their experience as traumatic. He said the state government would pay all their medical bills and provide psychological support to help them recover and reintegrate into society.
He stressed that security should remain a collective concern rather than a subject of political debate, urging residents to avoid trivialising issues affecting public safety.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen security architecture across the country, saying the collaboration had enhanced the capacity of states to respond to security challenges.
He praised security agencies for their coordinated efforts that led to the victims’ rescue and acknowledged the roles played by traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the Eda Oniyo Community Development Association, whom he said provided valuable intelligence during the rescue operation.
Describing the attack as unfortunate, Oyebanji said it was unacceptable for worshippers to come under attack, adding that safeguarding communities required the collective efforts of government, security agencies and residents.
He expressed satisfaction with the condition of the rescued victims, noting that they were all responding to treatment, including a child who had initially been unconscious but had regained consciousness.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mr Akin Oluwayemi thanked the governor and security agencies for securing their release and appealed for a sustained security presence in border communities to prevent similar incidents.
In a separate humanitarian gesture during the hospital visit, Oyebanji also paid the medical bills of three indigent patients who had remained at the hospital after being discharged because they could not afford their treatment costs.
The governor settled bills totalling more than N2 million and directed that the patients be discharged immediately so they could return home to their families.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Fasuba Taiwo expressed appreciation to the governor for the intervention and prayed for the success of his administration.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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