Juliet Ezeh
Gunmen have launched a deadly assault on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers in a brazen night attack that has intensified fears over worsening insecurity in rural communities.
The attack, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday during an evening church programme, sent shockwaves across the quiet agrarian town as heavily armed assailants stormed the worship centre situated on the outskirts of the community. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers, who reportedly arrived in large numbers, opened fire shortly after entering the premises, killing the presiding pastor on the spot before herding an unspecified number of congregants into a nearby forest.
Residents described scenes of chaos and terror as sporadic gunshots echoed through the area, forcing many to flee their homes for safety. The exact number of abducted victims remains unclear as families and community leaders continue efforts to identify those missing following the incident.
A local source, who spoke under anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed that the community is currently gripped by fear and confusion. According to the source, the attackers executed the operation swiftly, leaving little room for resistance.
“The invaders were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We cannot confirm the number yet because people are still being accounted for. The entire community is in panic,” the source said.
The incident underscores growing concerns over the vulnerability of rural settlements and religious centres, particularly during evening gatherings. In recent months, criminal groups have increasingly targeted soft locations such as churches, schools, and remote villages, exploiting limited security presence to carry out kidnappings and violent attacks.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti State, Sunday Abutu, disclosed that security agencies have launched a coordinated rescue operation aimed at securing the release of the abducted victims and apprehending those responsible for the attack.
Abutu stated that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered a full-scale investigation alongside an aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators.
According to him, a joint security task force comprising the police, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters has commenced extensive bush-combing operations in surrounding forests where the victims are believed to have been taken.
“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have initiated a serious manhunt and rescue mission. Our priority is to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Abutu said.
He further assured residents that proactive measures are being implemented to prevent a recurrence of such attacks, while urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements within their communities.
The police spokesperson also issued a critical advisory to religious leaders across the state, recommending that they notify security authorities ahead of organising late-night programmes. This, he noted, would enable proper security arrangements and reduce exposure to potential threats.
The latest attack has reignited debates around community policing and the need for enhanced security infrastructure in rural areas of Nigeria, where many residents rely heavily on local vigilante groups for protection.
Security analysts warn that the pattern of attacks suggests a strategic shift by criminal elements who are increasingly targeting less fortified locations to maximise impact and evade swift response from law enforcement.
Community leaders in Eda Oniyo Ekiti have called for urgent government intervention, including the deployment of additional security personnel and the establishment of permanent security outposts in vulnerable areas.
“This is a peaceful community. We have never experienced anything like this before. The government must act fast to restore confidence and ensure our people are safe,” a community elder said.
As search operations continue, families of the abducted victims remain in distress, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. The killing of the pastor has also left a deep emotional scar on the community, with residents mourning the loss of a spiritual leader described as devoted and selfless.
The attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents across parts of the country, raising concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing security strategies and the urgent need for more robust, intelligence-driven interventions.
For now, the focus remains on rescue efforts as security operatives intensify their operations in surrounding forests. Authorities have pledged that no effort will be spared in tracking down the attackers and ensuring justice is served.
However, for the people of Eda Oniyo Ekiti, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the persistent security challenges facing many communities and the pressing need for lasting solutions.