By Justus Adetomiwa, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday visited victims of the recent kidnapping incident in Eda Oniyo who are currently receiving treatment at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, Ado-Ekiti, assuring them that the state government would bear the full cost of their medical treatment.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the visit, the governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, security agencies, the Eda Oniyo Community Development Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and other groups and individuals whose efforts contributed to securing the victims’ release.
“I really thank the President for his efforts and I must commend the security agencies for their commitment. I must particularly appreciate the Eda Oniyo Community Development Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and all other notable groups and individuals who supported the process to ensure the release of our people.”he said
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Oyebanji said he visited the victims to ascertain their condition and ensure they were receiving adequate medical care.
“I am happy that they are back. I came here to see them personally and ensure that they are receiving proper medical attention. I can also assure you that the Ekiti State Government will bear the cost of their medical bills,” he stated.
The governor, however, cautioned against politicising security-related incidents, describing such actions as unfortunate and counterproductive.
He said it was disturbing that some individuals sought to score political points from the unfortunate incident, stressing that issues concerning the safety and welfare of citizens should transcend partisan interests.
“Whenever something like this happens, we should not politicise it. It was shocking to see people who decided to play politics with it. There should be a limit to politicisation of matters. We must be our brother’s keeper, and the welfare and security of the Ekiti people should be our collective concern,” he said.
Providing an update on the victims’ health, the governor expressed delight that all those rescued were responding positively to treatment.
“I am glad that our people are back, and I am particularly happy that the child who was brought to the hospital unconscious has regained consciousness. All of them are responding well to treatment,” he added.
Oyebanji also commended the management and medical personnel of EKSUTH for their prompt response and professionalism in attending to the victims.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to combat criminality across the state, urging them to remain professional in the discharge of their duties.
“We urge our security agencies to continue to be professional, and we will continue to support them. They really tried their best,” he said.
The governor’s visit followed the successful rescue and release of victims abducted during the recent kidnapping incident in Eda Oniyo, whose return has been widely welcomed across Ekiti State.