Gunmen Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers in Ekiti Church Attack

A pastor has been killed and several worshippers abducted following a gunmen attack on a church in Ekiti State.

Security operatives at the scene of the Ekiti church attack where a pastor was killed and worshippers abducted.

Tragedy struck the community of Eda Oniyo Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government Area on Tuesday night. Armed invaders stormed the Christ Apostolic Church during an evening programme, leaving death and panic in their wake.

The attackers struck around 8:30 pm, targeting the church located on the outskirts of the town. Reports confirm that the pastor was shot dead during the invasion. The gunmen did not stop there; they whisked away an unspecified number of worshippers into the surrounding forest.

Residents are now living in fear as the community tries to ascertain the exact number of people missing. One source described the scene as chaotic, noting that the assailants arrived in large numbers. The incident has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of residents in the area.

Confirming the attack on Wednesday, the Ekiti State Police Command assured the public that action is being taken. Police Public Relations Officer Sunday Abutu revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered an immediate manhunt.

Security agencies are not working alone. The police have teamed up with the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters. Their combined forces are currently combing the bush to rescue the abducted victims and arrest the perpetrators.

Abutu called for calm while assuring residents that everything possible is being done to resolve the situation. He also offered crucial advice to religious leaders, urging them to always inform the police before organizing late-night gatherings to ensure adequate security coverage.