Ekiti State House of Assembly has said the state and the federal government are working round the clock to secure the release of the 16 persons abducted in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, headquarters of Ilejemeje local government area of the state.
The Assembly also disclosed that it has passed 33 Bills into Law since its inception on June 6, 2023.
Addressing a press conference, heralding the third anniversary of the Seventh Assembly held yesterday at the Assembly complex in Ado-Ekiti, the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Oke said efforts are being made by the lawmakers ensure that the abductees returned unhurt.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 16 worshippers were kidnapped by some gunmen during a church programme in Eda Oniyo Ekiti on April 28, 2026.
Oke while speaking on the legislative achievements of the Ekiti 7th Assembly said, “Since inauguration, we have passed Thirty-Three (33) Bills into Law, all of which have received gubernatorial assent. Within the Third Legislative Session alone, Nine (9) major Bills were passed into law”.
n the impacts of the third session legislation of the Assembly, he said, ‘’The laws enacted during the period were designed to strengthen governance, improve public administration, enhance economic development, deepen democratic processes, promote public safety, and improve the welfare of the people of Ekiti State.
“Collectively, these legislations align with the Assembly’s commitment to providing a robust legal framework for sustainable development and good governance”.
Dwelling on what has been done and mechanism being put in place to ensure that the kidnapped persons are rescued, the lawmaker representing Ilejemeje Constituency, Iyabode Fakunle-Okieime said the issue was raised on the floor of the house when it occurred.
“The house constituted a committee to that effect , the traditional ruler of Eda Oniyo was visited. That the abductees have not been rescued does not mean that that government is not doing anything about it. Ekiti State and the Federal Government is working assiduously to rescue them and security agencies mobilized to the area.
“All hands are on deck to ensure the safe rescue and return of the abductees for them to be reunited with their families. I want to assure our people that the 16 persons kidnapped in Eda Oniyo Ekiti will be rescued”.
Oke who further stated that the third anniversary provides an opportunity for reflection, accountability and renewed commitment of the Assembly.
He said, “Within the last twelve months, the Assembly has enacted transformative laws, conducted rigorous oversight, promoted democratic reforms, strengthened institutional capacity, enhanced staff welfare and supported policies aimed at improving the lives of Ekiti people.’’
