RESIDENT of Eda Oniyo Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State were thrown into panic on Tuesday night after gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church during a church programme, killing the pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers.
News Point Nigeria reports that the attack reportedly occurred around 8:30 pm at the church located on the outskirts of the community. Sources said the assailants, who arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed, invaded the worship centre while activities were ongoing.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers shot the pastor dead before forcing several worshippers into a nearby forest.
The incident has heightened fears among residents over growing insecurity in the area, as many community members reportedly remained indoors following the attack.
A source in the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said efforts were ongoing to determine the exact number of worshippers abducted by the gunmen.
“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.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command disclosed that a rescue operation had already commenced to secure the release of the abducted victims and track down the perpetrators.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Michael Falade, had ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.
According to Abutu, security operatives drawn from different agencies had launched coordinated operations in the area.
“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 for the perpetrators in order to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the culprits,” he said.
He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims unharmed and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police calls for calm as necessary steps are currently being taken to salvage the situation and forestall recurrence,” Abutu added.
The police spokesman further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or individuals within their communities to security agencies.
He also advised religious leaders to notify the police before organising late-night programmes to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent future attacks.