Residents in Ekiti State protest the continued detention of 16 worshippers abducted by gunmen. Community leaders, relatives of the victims, and youths and women gather to demand the captors release the abductees, whose captivity has lasted about 36 days, according to reports.
Both outlets say the kidnappers have not freed the worshippers even after a ransom payment of ₦10.5 million was made. The protesters accuse the gunmen of failing to honor the payment and say the captors are still holding the victims.
Vanguard reports that the kidnappers had demanded ₦50 million before releasing the abductees, suggesting the ₦10.5 million already paid has not secured their release. The Punch similarly describes the protest response to the ongoing captivity and notes that residents are calling for action as negotiations appear to stall.
No officials’ statements or details of any rescue efforts are included in the provided accounts.
