Panic gripped Eda Oniyo community in Ilejemeje Local Government area of Ekiti State on Tuesday evening, as suspected bandits reportedly attacked a religious gathering, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.
THE HOPE gathered that the incident occurred during an open-air crusade organised by a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the community.
According to residents, the gunmen stormed the worship ground, located on the outskirts of the town, while the programme was ongoing.
The attackers were said to have opened fire indiscriminately, causing chaos and forcing congregants to flee to safety.
An eyewitness account shared online indicated that the heavily armed assailants operated for several minutes before escaping into a nearby forest with an unspecified number of victims.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government area, Mr. Pius Alaba, said the exact number of abducted persons could not be immediately ascertained as of Tuesday night.
He disclosed that reports from the church leadership showed that no fewer than 50 worshippers attended the programme, adding that many escaped into the surrounding forest during the attack.
He further revealed that the remains of the slain pastor, said to be from a neighbouring state, had been deposited at a morgue.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the attack and announced the launch of a manhunt for the perpetrators.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Micheal Falade, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to the statement, preliminary findings revealed that at about 10:30 p.m. on April 28, 2026, a group of about five unidentified gunmen attacked members of a Christ Apostolic Church during an all-night prayer session on the outskirts of Eda Oniyo, fatally shooting the pastor and abducting several worshippers.
The police noted that a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, vigilantes and local hunters has commenced aggressive bush-combing efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.
The Commissioner of Police called for calm, assuring residents that necessary steps are being taken to restore security and prevent a recurrence.
He also urged religious leaders to comply with the state government’s directive to notify security agencies before holding late-night gatherings to ensure adequate protection.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the killing of the pastor and the abduction of the several worshippers of the church in the state.
Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the attack as “deeply disturbing,” condemning it as a grievous assault on both faith and humanity.
“We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. Worshippers gathered peacefully to serve God but were met with violence.
“This is not just an attack on a church; it is a brutal assault on our shared humanity and the sanctity of life,” the statement read.
The association expressed condolences to the family of the slain pastor and solidarity with the victims and the Christian community in Ekiti State, while calling for the immediate and safe release of those abducted.
CAN also linked the incident to a rising wave of insecurity across the country, citing recent abductions in Yagba West Local Government area of Kogi State involving residents and clergy members.
“This attack further heightens concerns about the safety of lives and property. No one should have to live in fear, and places of worship must never become targets for criminals,” the association stated.
The body called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take swift and decisive action to address the situation, stressing that safeguarding lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government.
“Those behind this atrocity must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay. All necessary efforts must be made to rescue the abducted victims unharmed,” CAN added.
It further urged increased security deployment to rural and vulnerable communities, alongside improved intelligence gathering to prevent future occurrences.
The association warned that continued attacks on civilians and places of worship pose serious moral and social consequences for the nation.
About the Author
