Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday visited victims of the recent kidnapping incident in Eda Oniyo at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, where they are receiving treatment following their rescue.
The visit came less than 24 hours after the victims were admitted to the hospital on the governor’s 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, condemned the attack and assured residents that his administration was taking decisive measures to strengthen security and rid the state of criminal elements.
He urged residents not to politicise security issues, stressing that kidnapping and other security challenges should be treated as matters of collective concern.
While interacting with the victims, the governor thanked God for their safe return and described their ordeal as traumatic. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Oyebanji also assured the victims that the state government would bear the full cost of their medical treatment and provide psychological support to facilitate their recovery and reintegration into society.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen security across the country. He also praised security agencies for their coordinated operation that led to the victims’ rescue and acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the Eda Oniyo Community Development Association for providing useful intelligence.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, Oyebanji said no one should be attacked while observing religious activities, adding that ensuring the safety of residents requires collective responsibility.
He expressed satisfaction with the victims’ health, noting that all were responding well to treatment. According to him, a child who had earlier been unconscious had regained consciousness and was in stable condition.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, a relative, Mr. Akin Oluwayemi, thanked the governor and security agencies for securing their release. He also appealed for a sustained security presence in border communities to prevent similar incidents.
In a related development, Governor Oyebanji paid the medical bills of three indigent patients at EKSUTH who had remained in the hospital after being unable to settle their bills following discharge.
The governor, who noticed the patients while leaving the ward, immediately approved the payment of their outstanding medical bills, amounting to more than N2 million, and directed the hospital management to discharge them so they could reunite with their families.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Fasuba Taiwo, expressed gratitude to the governor for the gesture and prayed for the success of his administration.
