Gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Tuesday night, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers.
Authorities are however yet to confirm the exact number of abducted victims.
The incident, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. during a church function, has left the town in a state of fear, as residents express growing concern over rising insecurity in the area.
The attackers were armed and came in large numbers, according to local sources. They assaulted the church on the town’s outskirts, shot the pastor dead, and carried several worshippers into a neighbouring woodland.
The precise number of kidnapped victims is still being ascertained, according to one of the individuals, who spoke under the condition of anonymity for security reasons.
The source said, “The invaders were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We cannot say the number yet. Moves to collate those who are missing have begun. The community is in a panic mode for now.”
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the event on Wednesday adding that it has started a rescue effort to ensure the victims’ release.
Sunday Abutu, the state’s police public relations officer, also stated that Michael Falade, the commissioner of police, had directed a comprehensive investigation and a manhunt for the offenders.
He also added that the police are working to ensure the victims are safely rescued and the perpetrators are apprehended.
BACKSTORY…
The recent attack in Ekiti State comes barely 48 hours after gunmen launched similar attacks on unsuspecting communities in Kogi State, following earlier incidents in Kwara State.
Meanwhile, reacting to the Kogi and Kwara attacks, Pete Obi raised alarm on X that Nigeria is “a decaying Nation Crying for Leadership”.
He said,” What we have witnessed across our country in just the past 48 hours is not only tragic. It is utterly unacceptable and a damning indictment of our collective failure of leadership.”
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