Gunmen kill pastor, abduct worshippers in Ekiti

Gunmen have attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers during a late-night vigil. The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, describing it as a targeted attack that occurred while congregants were gathered for prayers on the outskirts of the community. Police spokesperson, […]

Gunmen have attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers during a late-night vigil.

The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, describing it as a targeted attack that occurred while congregants were gathered for prayers on the outskirts of the community.

Police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, said the assault took place at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

According to him, “preliminary investigations indicate that about five armed men stormed the prayer ground, fatally shot the pastor and whisked away some members of the congregation.”

Abutu stated that security operatives have launched a coordinated operation to track down the attackers and secure the release of those abducted.

“The Police in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, the Agro Marshal, the Vigilantes and the local hunters have commenced an aggressive bush combing operations and a serious manhunt on the perpetrators in order to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the culprits,” he said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police has urged residents to remain calm, assuring that efforts are ongoing to stabilise the situation and prevent a recurrence.

“The commissioner of Police calls for calm as necessary steps are currently being taken to salvage the situation and forestall recurrence,” Abutu said.

The police spokesperson also called on residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies.

“Members of the public are charged to be security conscious, vigilant and promptly report any suspicious person or group of persons found within their environments to the police and other security agencies for necessary proactive actions,” he said.

Abutu further advised religious leaders to comply with existing state directives requiring prior notification to security agencies before holding late-night gatherings.

He urged anyone with useful information to contact the police through the emergency number 08062335577 for prompt response.