Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers.
The incident, which occurred around 8:30 pm during a church programme, has left the community in panic, with residents expressing growing concerns over insecurity in the area.
According to sources within the community, the assailants, who were heavily armed and arrived in large numbers, stormed the church situated on the outskirts of the town. They reportedly shot the pastor dead before whisking away several worshippers into a nearby forest.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said efforts were ongoing to determine the exact number of abducted victims.
“The invaders were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We cannot say the number yet. Moves to collate those who are missing have begun. The community is in a panic mode for now,” the source said.
Confirming the attack on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command disclosed that a rescue operation had been launched to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a full investigation and a manhunt for those responsible.
“The Police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshal, Vigilantes and local hunters, have commenced aggressive bush-combing operations and a serious manhunt for the perpetrators to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the culprits,” Abutu stated.
He assured that efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police calls for calm as necessary steps are currently being taken to salvage the situation and forestall recurrence,” he added.
Abutu also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies, while advising religious leaders to inform the police before organising late-night programmes to enable proper security arrangements.
Elijah Adeyemi
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