By Adesakin Adefemi
Heavily armed gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church on the outskirts of Eda Oniyo Ekiti on Tuesday night, killing the pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers during an all-night prayer session.
The attack occurred at about 8:30pm at the headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, throwing the border community into panic. Residents gathered in groups Wednesday morning to discuss the incident and growing security concerns in the area, which shares a boundary with Obbo Aiyegunle in Kwara State.
Sources in Eda Oniyo, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the attackers came in large numbers and operated for several minutes. “The invaders were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We cannot state the exact number yet. Efforts to account for those missing have begun,” one source said.
The community remains tense as families attempt to confirm the whereabouts of loved ones. Locals said the church is located on the outskirts of town, making it vulnerable to attacks from nearby forests.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered a thorough investigation and a manhunt for the suspected gunmen. He directed security agencies to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the culprits.
Police Public Relations Officer Sunday Abutu said in a statement Wednesday that the police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshal, vigilantes, and local hunters, have commenced aggressive bush-combing operations and a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that on April 28, 2026, while church members were holding their all-night prayers on the outskirts of the town, a group of yet-to-be-identified gunmen numbering about five attacked the worshippers, fatally shot the pastor, and abducted some of the church members,” Abutu stated.
The police commissioner called for calm, saying necessary steps are being taken to address the situation and prevent a recurrence. He advised members of the public to remain security conscious and promptly report any suspicious persons or groups to security agencies.
Abutu also urged religious leaders to strictly adhere to the state government’s earlier directive that all gatherings, particularly late-night gatherings, should not be held without the knowledge of the police to ensure adequate security before, during, and after such events.
The attack adds to rising fears over insecurity in Ekiti’s border communities, where residents have repeatedly called for increased patrols and intelligence gathering. Security forces say operations are ongoing in forests around Eda Oniyo to track the abductors and rescue the victims.
