Gunmen have attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers during a night service.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, throwing the community into panic, with residents expressing fears over rising insecurity in the area.
According to sources, the attackers, who arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed, stormed the church located on the outskirts of the town, shot the cleric dead, and forcefully took an unspecified number of worshippers into a nearby forest.
“The invaders were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We cannot say the number yet. The community is in a panic mode for now,” a resident said.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command said it had launched a rescue operation 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 thorough investigation and a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“The police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, the Agro Marshals, vigilantes, and local hunters, have commenced aggressive bush-combing operations to rescue the victims and bring those responsible to justice,” Abutu said.
He assured residents that security agencies were working round the clock to ensure the safe return of those abducted and urged residents to remain calm.
Abutu also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies. He advised religious leaders to notify the police before organising late-night programmes to enable adequate security arrangements.
