Gunmen kill Pastor, abduct worshippers in Ekiti church attack

Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked 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.

The incident, which occurred around 8:30 pm during a church programme, has raised fresh concerns over security in the area, with residents expressing fears over the safety of lives and property.

The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that a coordinated rescue operation had been launched to secure the release of the abducted victims and track down the perpetrators.

“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,” the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said.

“The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible,” he added.

Incident details

Sources in the community said the attackers, who were heavily armed and arrived in numbers, stormed the church located on the outskirts of the town, shot the pastor dead and whisked away several worshippers into a nearby forest.

A resident, 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.

The police assured that necessary steps were being taken to restore calm and prevent further attacks, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Mr Abutu also advised religious leaders to inform security agencies before organising late-night gatherings to enable proper protection and response.