Gunmen attack Ekiti church – Fear and confusion swept through Eda Oniyo, a quiet community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, after heavily armed gunmen attacked a church during an evening revival service, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.
The attack happened on Tuesday evening during an open-air crusade at a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) on the outskirts of the town. Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the worship ground at about 6:45 p.m., opened fire on the congregation, and forced an unknown number of worshippers into the nearby forest.
The slain cleric was identified as Pastor Aregbe, a visiting revival minister from Osun State. He was reportedly shot dead while ministering to the congregation. Several other worshippers sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
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“The gunmen came in large numbers and were heavily armed. They opened fire immediately, causing panic. They abducted many worshippers, including elderly people and children,” a community source said.
Residents said the attack threw the agrarian community into panic, with many families still searching for missing loved ones. Some worshippers reportedly escaped by running into surrounding bushes, while others were taken away by the attackers.
Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Pius Alaba, confirmed the incident. He said the exact number of abducted persons had yet to be determined, as some worshippers fled during the chaos.
“Several people are still unaccounted for. While some escaped into the bush, others were shot, and some were taken away. We are still gathering accurate information,” Alaba said.
He also confirmed that the body of the slain pastor had been deposited in a morgue.
A senior government official and member of the Ekiti State Security Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, assured residents that security operatives had been deployed to the area and were actively pursuing the attackers.
“Security agencies are fully involved. Operatives have been deployed, and they are already on the trail of the gunmen. We are optimistic that the kidnapped victims will be rescued safely,” the official said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ekiti State Police Command had not issued an official statement. Calls and messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, were yet to be answered.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Nigeria, including areas previously considered relatively peaceful. Residents of Eda Oniyo are now calling for stronger security presence to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property.
Security operatives, including police and local vigilantes, have reportedly launched a manhunt in nearby forests in an effort to rescue the abducted worshippers and apprehend the perpetrators.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved security across rural communities, especially places of worship and public gatherings.
Keyphrase: Gunmen attack Ekiti church.
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