Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade
Armed attackers on Tuesday night stormed a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti, within Ilejemeje Local Government Area, killing a pastor and abducting several congregants.
The incident, which unfolded around 8:30 p.m. during a church service, has left residents gripped with fear amid growing concerns over insecurity in the community.
Local sources disclosed that the assailants, heavily armed and in large numbers, invaded the church situated on the outskirts of the town, fatally shot the pastor, and forcefully took away a number of worshippers into a nearby forest.
A community member, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said efforts were underway to ascertain the exact number of those kidnapped.
“The attackers were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We are yet to confirm the exact number. The process of identifying missing persons has started, and the community is currently in panic,” the source said.
Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command announced that a rescue operation had been launched to free the abducted victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had directed a full-scale investigation and ordered security operatives to track down those responsible.
According to him, the police, working alongside the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters, have begun extensive bush-combing operations and intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
He assured that measures were being taken to secure the victims’ release and bring the culprits to justice.
Abutu further appealed for calm, noting that steps were in place to manage the situation and prevent a recurrence.
He also urged residents to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activity to security agencies, while advising religious leaders to inform the police ahead of late-night programmes to enable proper security arrangements.
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