Residents of Edaonio in Ekiti State, the headquarters of Elijameje Local Government Area, have taken to the streets in protest over the failure to rescue those kidnapped in the area since April 28th. The community describes the experience as highly worrisome.
The community has already paid a ransom of 10.5 million naira to the kidnappers, contributing what they could among themselves. However, the captors are now demanding to speak directly with the government before releasing the remaining victims.
Among those being held are elderly individuals, including persons up to 83 years of age who have been in captivity for 36 days. The community says the government is not doing anything to secure their release.
The local representative at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Yabo Okieme, has offered assurances that all hands are on deck. The governor himself visited the area, along with the Special Advisor on Security and the Commissioner of Police.
Despite these high-level visits, residents say there has been no tangible progress in rescuing their loved ones. Life has not been the same since the kidnappings occurred, with the entire community living in fear.
The incident is part of a broader wave of kidnappings across Nigeria that has left communities feeling abandoned by both state and federal authorities. In nearby Borno State, 42 pupils and teachers remain in captivity from a separate abduction.
The community's message is clear: they are demanding immediate and decisive action to end the long-standing nightmare. Residents are calling on both the state and federal government to treat the security crisis with the urgency it deserves.