Following a violent attack, traditional rulers in Ekiti State have called for a total ban on evening church services and crusades to curb rising insecurity.
The call for the ban, led by monarchs in the Ilejemeje Local Government Area, follows an incident on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, where armed individuals attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, killing a pastor and kidnapping multiple worshippers.
The ban targets evening services, with a recommendation that all religious activities end by 6 PM to ensure safety.
Monarchs, including Oba Joseph Awolola, expressed concern over the audacity of kidnappers who targeted the church, following the kidnapping of worshippers.
Traditional leaders demanded an improved local security response after reports that operatives arrived long after the attackers had fled.
The attack highlights the vulnerability of local communities bordering Kogi and Kwara states.
A joint task force (police, army, vigilantes) is conducting search operations to locate the kidnapped victims.
State security officials and the police commissioner have visited the community to assess the situation.
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