Gunmen have 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 attack reportedly occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday during an ongoing church programme, throwing the quiet community into panic and raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
According to sources within the community, the attackers, who arrived heavily armed and in large numbers, stormed the church situated on the outskirts of the town, opened fire on the pastor, killing him on the spot, before forcefully taking several worshippers into a nearby forest.
Residents said the incident created chaos, with many fleeing for safety as the gunmen carried out the operation.
A source who spoke anonymously due to security concerns said efforts were ongoing to determine the exact number of worshippers abducted during the attack.
“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.
The tragic development has left residents deeply shaken, with many expressing fear over what they described as a disturbing rise in criminal activities within parts of the state.
Confirming the attack on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command said a coordinated rescue operation had been launched to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had directed an immediate investigation and intensified search efforts.
“The Police in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, the Agro Marshal, the Vigilantes and the local hunters have commenced aggressive bush combing operations and a serious manhunt on the perpetrators in order to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the culprits,” Abutu said.
He assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to rescue the victims safely 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.
“Members of the public are charged to be security conscious, vigilant and promptly report any suspicious person or group of persons found within their environments to the police and other security agencies for necessary proactive actions,” he added.
Abutu also advised religious organisations and leaders to notify security agencies ahead of late-night gatherings to enable the deployment of adequate protection.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over attacks on worship centres and rural communities, as security agencies continue to grapple with criminal activities across different parts of the country.
What you should know
The attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Ekiti highlights the growing security concerns facing rural communities and places of worship in Nigeria.
The killing of a pastor and abduction of worshippers during a church programme has sparked fear among residents and renewed calls for stronger security presence. Authorities have launched a joint rescue mission involving police, military personnel, local hunters and Amotekun operatives.
The incident also underscores the need for better coordination between religious organisations and security agencies, particularly for late-night gatherings, to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of worshippers across vulnerable communities.
