Panic gripped residents of Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Tuesday evening after armed attackers raided a church during an open-air crusade, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants, described as heavily armed, invaded the worship ground on the outskirts of the community and opened fire, throwing the congregation into chaos. The pastor was shot dead during the attack, while multiple worshippers—including women, children, and the elderly—were taken away.
Residents said the gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance before fleeing into a nearby forest with their captives.
A community source said the attackers arrived in large numbers and executed the assault swiftly, leaving fear and confusion in their wake. The exact number of abducted victims has yet to be confirmed.
A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and disclosed that security operatives have been deployed to the area. He added that efforts are underway to track down the attackers and secure the release of those kidnapped.
“Yes, there was an attack in Eda Oniyo, and some worshippers were taken. Security agencies are already on the ground and pursuing the perpetrators,” the official said.
Attempts to reach the Ekiti State Police Command for an official response were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
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