Gunmen who abducted 16 worshippers from a church in Ekiti State have slashed their ransom demand. They now want N150 million instead of the initial N1 billion.
A pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church died during the attack in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area. The victims were seized six days ago.
Rufus Ajayi, chairman of the Eda-Oniyo Progressive Union, made the revelation to state officials. Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye led a delegation to the community.
Many of those held captive are women and children, Ajayi told reporters. "The kidnappers are demanding a minimum of N150 million," he noted.
According to him, the community has already made offers to the abductors. But those proposals were turned down flat.
"We are pleading with the government to intervene immediately," Ajayi said. He described the situation as an emergency requiring urgent action.
Julius Awolola, the Eleda of Eda-Oniyo, called on state authorities to act fast. He highlighted the area's vulnerability due to its closeness to Kwara State.
In his words, the attack has left deep scars on the community. Yet he commended the state government for showing solidarity during this painful period.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has issued a strong warning against terrorism and kidnapping. He promised that security efforts are being ramped up across the state.
The governor urged residents to avoid night vigils for now. Religious gatherings should hold only during daylight hours, he advised.
Oyebanji also sent a message to informants helping criminals. They should stop immediately, he warned, for the good of Ekiti.
A divorced woman broke down in tears at a Shari'a court in Kaduna on Monday. Zainab Isah, 44, told the judge she had nowhere to go.
She married Alhaji Abdulhamid when she was just 14 years old. The marriage lasted three decades and produced 10 children.
Her husband divorced her on January 1, Isah told the court. She said she's still completing her Islamic waiting period, known as Iddah.
Three of her children are currently sick, she explained to the judge. She couldn't abandon them to her co-wives, she pleaded.
Abdulrashid Musa, the husband's lawyer, asked the court to order her out. He claimed she finished her Iddah and must vacate the house.
According to Musa, his client issued two divorce pronouncements to Isah. The first came on December 29, 2025, he said in court.
Musa alleged that Isah refuses to leave despite multiple requests. He said she's been causing problems between his client's other wives.
But Abdulhamid told the judge he'll pay her rent elsewhere. He's prepared to fund a new home for her and the children.
Judge Malam Mu'awiya Shehu ruled that a husband's duty ends after divorce. He said women lose their right to shelter and feeding once marriage ends.
Only the children retain maintenance rights from the father, the judge stressed. He postponed the case until June 1 for new developments.
Isah must find alternative accommodation before then, he ordered. She should report back to court once she relocates with her children.
