Gunmen attack Ekiti church, kill pastor, abduct worshippers as police launch manhunt

By Idowu Adebomi,Ado Ekiti

Tragedy struck in Eda Oniyo, headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, as suspected bandits invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) during a revival programme, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers.

The attack, which residents have likened to previous violent incursions in the region, reportedly occurred on Tuesday evening while congregants were gathered for a special revival session.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gunmen stormed the church at about 6:45 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately on worshippers. The presiding revivalist, identified simply as Pastor Aregbe, was fatally shot during the assault, while several others sustained injuries in the chaos.

Sources told Nigeria News Direct that the assailants operated for several minutes, creating panic among the congregation, many of whom fled into the surrounding bush to escape the attack.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, said a number of residents remain unaccounted for, noting that the exact figure of those abducted is yet to be determined.

"According to  the church’s leadership  some worshippers managed to escape, others were either shot or taken away by the attackers"

Alaba also confirmed that the body of the slain pastor has been deposited in a morgue.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Police Command has launched an extensive manhunt for the perpetrators, describing the incident as a serious security breach.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, has ordered a thorough investigation into the attack.

According to the police public relations officer SP Sunday Abutu he said  preliminary findings revealed that the incident occurred later in the night, around 10:30 p.m., during an all-night prayer session held on the outskirts of the town, when about five armed men invaded the gathering, killed the pastor, and abducted several worshippers.

 "We have launched a  joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters has commenced aggressive bush-combing operations aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the attackers" he noted

The Commissioner of Police urged residents to remain calm, assuring that efforts are underway to restore security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He also called on religious leaders to comply with existing state directives requiring prior notification to security agencies before holding large or late-night gatherings to ensure adequate protection.

Residents were further advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties and abducted persons.