Ekiti Church Attack: Police Intensify Operations as Kidnappers Demand N1bn, Community Seeks Curbs on Night Vigils

 

The Ekiti State Government and security agencies have escalated response efforts following the deadly attack on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, even as kidnappers of abducted worshippers demand a staggering N1 billion ransom.

The State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, on Wednesday led a high-powered delegation to the community to assess the situation and reassure residents of intensified rescue operations.

The visit, which included an inspection of the attacked church, was part of coordinated efforts to contain the security breach and restore public confidence.

Details were contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, who said the Commissioner’s visit followed the Tuesday night assault on the church during a revival programme.

Suspected bandits had reportedly stormed the premises, fired gunshots to disperse congregants, killed an invited cleric identified as Pastor Aregbe, and abducted about 15 worshippers.

During the visit on April 29, 2026, Falade was accompanied by top government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), alongside senior police officers.

According to the statement, the delegation conducted an on-the-spot assessment, identified possible security lapses, engaged community leaders, and commiserated with affected families.

Falade assured residents that security agencies had been fully mobilised to secure the safe rescue of the abducted victims, stressing that the state government had issued a clear directive for decisive action.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, noting that timely intelligence remains critical to preventing further attacks.

The police chief further cautioned against organising large gatherings, particularly at night, without prior notification to security agencies for adequate protection.

Security personnel drawn from the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, and local vigilante groups have since been deployed to the area, with renewed strategies to track down the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, emerging details indicate that the kidnappers have contacted the community, demanding N1 billion ransom for the release of the abducted victims.

The Eleda of Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Awolola, confirmed the development, stating that the demand was communicated to community representatives.

“The kidnappers are demanding N1 billion ransom before they can release the victims,” the monarch said, adding that the abductees include elderly persons and children.

Residents described the attack as one of the most traumatic incidents in the community’s history, with many families thrown into distress.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said fear had gripped the town since the incident. “Some of those taken are vulnerable people. The entire community is deeply shaken,” he said.

Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, also confirmed that about 15 persons were abducted during the vigil, revealing that prior warnings had been issued against late-night religious gatherings due to prevailing security concerns.

“We had earlier advised churches and religious bodies to avoid vigils and programmes extending beyond 5pm because of the security challenges,” Alaba stated.

In a related development, the Elewu of Ewu Ekiti, Oba Bamidele Ajayi, called for stricter measures, including possible restrictions on religious activities beyond 6pm to enhance public safety.

He also urged security agencies to exercise operational discretion, warning that information leaks from within communities could undermine rescue efforts.

“There are individuals who do not want peace. Security operations must be handled carefully to avoid compromise,” the monarch cautioned.

A separate delegation of the state government, led by the Special Adviser on Security, Ogundana, also visited the community to sympathise with residents and traditional rulers.

Ogundana disclosed that the government had, in recent weeks, intensified bush-combing operations across border communities to prevent incursions by criminal elements from neighbouring Kogi and Kwara states.

Authorities say a multi-agency approach is being reinforced to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and normalcy is restored to the affected community.