Gunmen on Tuesday night invaded a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers in a brazen assault that has heightened fears over worsening insecurity in the state.
The attack reportedly occurred around 8:30pm during an ongoing church programme, throwing the quiet agrarian community into panic as residents fled for safety.
Eyewitness accounts and local sources told SaharaReporters that the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the church located on the outskirts of the town, opened fire on worshippers, and fatally shot the presiding pastor before whisking away several congregants into a nearby forest.
A community source, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, said the exact number of abducted victims remained unclear as efforts were ongoing to identify those missing.
“The attackers came in large numbers. They killed the pastor on the spot and abducted some worshippers. As we speak, we cannot confirm how many people they took. The entire community is in panic,” the source said.
Residents described the incident as shocking, noting that such a violent attack on a religious gathering underscores the growing reach of armed groups into previously less-affected rural areas of Ekiti State.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command said it had commenced a coordinated rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered an immediate investigation and deployment of tactical teams to track down the perpetrators.
According to Abutu, security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Rangers, local vigilantes, and hunters, had launched aggressive bush-combing operations in surrounding forests to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.
“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have commenced intensive bush-combing operations and a manhunt for the perpetrators to ensure the rescue of the victims and bring the culprits to justice,” he said.
He added that the police were committed to restoring calm in the area and preventing a recurrence of such attacks.
“The Commissioner of Police calls on residents to remain calm as necessary steps are being taken to address the situation. Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies promptly,” Abutu stated.
The police spokesperson also urged religious leaders to notify security authorities before organising late-night programmes to enable adequate protection.
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