Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing the pastor and abducting several worshippers during a church programme. The incident occurred around 8:30 pm while service was ongoing, plunging the community into panic over renewed insecurity.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers and stormed the church on the outskirts of the town. They reportedly opened fire, killing the pastor on the spot before whisking away several worshippers into a nearby forest.
The exact number of abducted victims is yet to be confirmed, as residents and families continue to account for those missing. Community sources said there was widespread confusion and fear following the attack, with efforts ongoing to determine how many people were taken.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, saying a coordinated rescue operation had been launched to locate and free the abducted victims. Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a full-scale investigation and manhunt for the attackers.
Security agencies, including the police, military, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, and local hunters, have begun bush-combing operations across suspected escape routes. Authorities also urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report suspicious movements, while advising religious centres to notify security agencies before holding late-night programmes.
