Gunmen who abducted worshippers during a church vigil in Ekiti State have reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.
The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo, located within Ilejemeje Local Government Area, where about 15 worshippers were taken during a night programme. A visiting pastor was also killed during the attack.
The traditional ruler of the community, Oba Joseph Awolola, disclosed the ransom demand during a visit by government officials to the area.
The delegation was led by Ebenezer Ogundana, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and included the state Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, along with local government authorities.
According to officials, efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of the victims. Among those abducted is reportedly a family of four, including a mother and her three children.
The Ekiti State Government, through its Information Commissioner, Taiwo Olatunbosun, condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and assuring residents that decisive steps were being taken.
Authorities have since deployed security personnel to the area, including operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and local security outfits, to intensify search and rescue operations.
Surveillance activities have also been strengthened as part of efforts to track down the perpetrators and prevent further incidents in the community.
