The Ekiti State Government has commenced free medical screening and treatment for victims of the recent Eda Oniyo kidnapping following their release from captivity.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji directed the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, to provide comprehensive medical care for the victims, while the State Ministry of Health and Human Services was mandated to oversee their welfare and wellbeing.

According to a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, on Saturday, the state government will bear all medical expenses incurred during the victims’ treatment.

The statement said the rescued victims are currently receiving care at EKSUTH and will remain under medical supervision until they are certified fit to reunite with their families.

Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in ensuring the safe release of the victims.

The governor also commended heads of security agencies in the state, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, leaders of the Eda Oniyo community, the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and other stakeholders for their contributions to securing the victims’ freedom.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, Oyebanji urged individuals politicising the incident on social media to desist and instead support government efforts to build a safer and more prosperous state.

He also extended his condolences to the family of one of the victims who died while in captivity.

The Ekiti State Government has directed all commercial motorcycle (okada) riders and tricycle operators to register and undergo biometric data capture on or before July 18 as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve regulation of the transportation sector.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Kehinde Ajobiewe, announced the directive on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.

Ajobiewe disclosed that the biometric registration exercise would commence on July 6, adding that every commercial motorcycle rider and tricycle operator in the state must participate.

He explained that the Ministry of Transportation would ensure that all operators were properly screened and issued valid riding permits upon successful completion of the registration process.

According to the commissioner, the exercise will be conducted at the offices of the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue across the state’s 16 local government areas.

He said the registration was designed to create a comprehensive database of commercial transport operators, enhance proper identification and curb criminal activities involving unregistered riders.

Ajobiewe added that the exercise would also provide government with reliable data for transportation planning, improve service delivery and help address challenges confronting the commercial transport sector.

He urged leaders of the motorcycle and tricycle unions to mobilise their members for full participation before the July 18 deadline.

The commissioner warned that any operator who failed to register and obtain the required permit within the stipulated period would be sanctioned in accordance with the state’s transportation regulations.

Reaffirming the commitment of the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to a safer and more organised transport system, Ajobiewe said the initiative would enhance public safety while promoting the welfare of commercial transport operators across the state.

The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by representatives of security agencies and transport unions, including CSP Ogunleye Kehinde, representing the Commissioner of Police; Mr Isimikaye Tawio of the Federal Road Safety Corps; the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, Mr Asaolu Kunle; the Chairman of the Tricycle Operators Association, Mr Talabi Akinola; and officials of the Ministry of Transportation.

Supporters and members of the All progressives Congress in Ado Ward 9 has staged a colourful victory walk to the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti to celebrate the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office.

The jubilant supporters, chanting solidarity songs and waving banners, described the governor’s victory at the poll as a reflection of the confidence reposed in his administration by the people of Ekiti State.

They said the massive electoral support received by Governor Oyebanji was a testament to his people-oriented policies, inclusive style of governance and remarkable developmental strides across the state.

The victory walk was led by the Leader of Ward 9, Alhaji Ademola Bello; the Ward Chairman, Mrs. Falilat Korede; and the Ward 9 Councillor, Hon. Mayowa Ogunsakin, alongside party faithful, youths and women from the ward.

Speaking during the celebration, the ward leaders congratulated Governor Oyebanji on his resounding victory and expressed appreciation to the people of Ward 9 and the entire state for their support during the election.

They noted that the governor’s first term had brought significant improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and workers’ welfare, adding that his re-election would provide the opportunity to consolidate on the achievements already recorded.

The leaders also reaffirmed the commitment of Ado Ward 9 to continue supporting the governor’s administration in its efforts to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti State.