Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers during a church service.
The нападение, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m., disrupted an ongoing programme and sent shockwaves through the community, as residents grapple with rising fears over safety in the area.
According to sources, the assailants, described as heavily armed and operating in large numbers, stormed the church located on the outskirts of the town. They reportedly opened fire, killing the presiding pastor on the spot, before herding some members of the congregation away into a nearby forest.
A resident, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, said the exact number of abducted worshippers had yet to be confirmed, as families and community leaders were still compiling a list of those unaccounted for.
“The attackers were many and well-armed. They shot the pastor and took some of the worshippers away. Right now, we are still trying to identify those missing. The entire community is in fear,” the source said.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the нападение on Wednesday and said efforts were underway to rescue the victims and track down those responsible.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had directed an intensive investigation into the incident and ordered a coordinated manhunt for the perpetrators.
He disclosed that a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, vigilante groups, and local hunters had been mobilised to comb surrounding forests in search of the abducted victims.
“Security agencies have commenced aggressive bush-combing operations and a manhunt for the criminals to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed and the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted,” Abutu said.
He urged residents to remain calm, assuring that the police and other security agencies were taking necessary steps to restore order and prevent further attacks.
Abutu also called on members of the public to stay alert and promptly report suspicious individuals or movements within their communities.
In a further advisory, he encouraged religious leaders to inform the police before organising late-night services or gatherings, noting that such measures would enable security agencies to provide adequate protection.
The attack has heightened anxiety among residents of Eda Oniyo Ekiti and surrounding communities, with many calling for increased security presence to safeguard lives and property.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to determine the number and identities of the abducted worshippers were ongoing, while security operatives continued their search operations in nearby forests.
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