By SUNTV Global Channel | June 8, 2026
Three activists in Ekiti State have reportedly been arrested by the police over plans to organise a peaceful protest aimed at drawing attention to the worsening security situation in the state, particularly the abduction of 17 residents of Eda-Oniyo Community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area.
The planned demonstration was intended to raise public awareness about the continued captivity of 16 kidnapped victims and the killing of a pastor who was among those abducted by suspected bandits more than six weeks ago.
One of the activists, Moyinoluwa Olowoyo, popularly known as “Gigabytes Nation,” confirmed the arrests, alleging that they were carried out on the orders of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police.
According to the activists, the protest was designed as a peaceful campaign to demand urgent action from authorities and draw national attention to the plight of the victims who have remained in captivity for over 42 days.
The development has sparked concerns among civil society groups and political activists, who argue that citizens have a constitutional right to peacefully express concerns over issues affecting their communities.
Speaking on the matter, the Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Ekiti State stated that the planned protest was not intended to disrupt public order but to highlight a kidnapping incident that has received little public attention despite its severity.
According to him, the police had earlier invited the organisers to the command headquarters after learning about the planned demonstration.
He alleged that upon their arrival, the activists were threatened with arrest and possible prosecution for organising the protest.
The AAC chairman, however, confirmed that the three activists were later released after spending some time in police custody.
Despite their release, concerns remain among rights advocates who view the incident as an attempt to discourage public advocacy on insecurity and the prolonged captivity of kidnapping victims.
Reports indicate that the victims were abducted by suspected bandits during an attack on Eda-Oniyo Community, with one of the victims, a pastor, reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
The remaining 16 victims are said to still be in captivity more than six weeks after the incident, raising fears among residents and relatives.
Activists insist that the planned demonstration was aimed at keeping public attention on the victims’ plight and encouraging authorities to intensify efforts toward their rescue.
The incident has reignited conversations about insecurity in parts of Ekiti State and the role of peaceful civic engagement in demanding accountability and government action.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ekiti State Police Command had not issued an official statement addressing the allegations surrounding the arrests and threats reportedly made against the activists.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the security situation and the fate of the kidnapped victims.
