Gunmen on Tuesday night launched a deadly attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. during an ongoing church programme, throwing the quiet community into panic as residents raised concerns over growing insecurity in the area.
According to sources within the community, the assailants, who arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed, stormed the church situated on the outskirts of the town. The attackers reportedly shot the pastor before forcefully taking an unspecified number of worshippers into a nearby forest.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said efforts were ongoing to determine the number of victims abducted.
“The attackers were many. They killed the pastor and took several worshippers away. We are still trying to confirm how many people are missing. The entire community is in fear,” the source said.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command said it had begun a coordinated rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a full investigation and intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible.
He explained that the police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, vigilantes, and local hunters, had commenced extensive bush-combing operations and a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Abutu assured residents that security agencies were committed to rescuing the victims safely and bringing the attackers to justice.
He also urged members of the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
Additionally, religious leaders were advised to inform the police ahead of late-night programmes to enable proper security arrangements.
