Terror in Ekiti Church: Gunmen Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers During Night Service

Gunmen on Tuesday night launched a deadly attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers during an evening programme.

The attack, which occurred around 8:30 p.m., has left the quiet community in shock and fear, with residents expressing growing concern over insecurity in the area.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the assailants, heavily armed and operating in large numbers, stormed the church situated on the outskirts of the town, opened fire on the congregation, and fatally shot the presiding pastor. They subsequently forced several worshippers into the nearby forest.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said efforts were ongoing to ascertain the exact number of abducted victims.

“The attackers came in large numbers. They killed the pastor and abducted some worshippers. We are still trying to determine how many people are missing. The entire community is in panic,” the source said.

The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, announcing that a coordinated rescue operation had been launched to secure the victims’ release.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a full-scale investigation and intensified efforts to apprehend those behind the attack.

According to Abutu, security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters, have begun aggressive bush-combing operations in search of the abducted worshippers and the fleeing gunmen.

“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have commenced extensive bush-combing operations and a serious manhunt for the perpetrators to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and bring the culprits to justice,” he said.

He assured residents that all necessary measures were being taken to address the situation and prevent further attacks.

The police spokesperson also appealed for calm among residents, urging them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies promptly.

In addition, Abutu advised religious leaders to notify the police ahead of late-night gatherings to enable adequate security arrangements.

The incident adds to growing concerns over attacks on soft targets, particularly places of worship, in parts of the country, heightening calls for improved security presence in vulnerable communities.