Gunmen on Tuesday night invaded a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, where they killed a pastor and kidnapped several worshippers.
The incident reportedly happened around 8:30 p.m. during an ongoing church programme, leaving residents in shock and heightening concerns about growing insecurity in the community.
According to local sources, the attackers, who were heavily armed and arrived in large numbers, stormed the church situated on the outskirts of the town. They allegedly shot the pastor before taking an unknown number of worshippers into a nearby forest.
A community source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said efforts were underway to ascertain the exact number of those abducted.
“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.
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The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the attack on Wednesday, stating that a rescue operation had been initiated to secure the release of the victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had directed a full investigation into the incident and ordered security operatives to track down those responsible.
“The Police in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, the Agro Marshal, the Vigilantes and the local hunters have commenced an 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.
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He further assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims safely and bring the perpetrators 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.
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Abutu also urged religious leaders to inform the police ahead of organising late-night programmes to allow for proper security arrangements.
