Gunmen have attacked a church in Eda Oniyo community of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing the presiding pastor and abducting several worshippers during an evening service. The attack took place on Tuesday while the congregation was holding an open air crusade on the outskirts of the town.
Witnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed. They reportedly opened fire, shooting the pastor on the spot before seizing some members of the church and marching them into the nearby forest.
Although the exact number of those kidnapped has not been confirmed, residents say many worshippers are still unaccounted for, throwing the community into panic. Others managed to escape in the confusion, running into surrounding bushes to hide from the attackers.
A top state government official and member of the Ekiti security committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident. He said security agencies have been alerted and that a search and rescue operation is being planned to track the gunmen and free the abducted worshippers.
The attack has renewed fears over rising insecurity in parts of Ekiti and neighbouring states, where armed groups have previously targeted churches and rural communities. Residents are calling for stronger security presence and better protection, especially during religious gatherings and other public events.
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