Armed attackers have killed a pastor and abducted several worshippers during a late-night church programme in Ekiti State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday around 8:30 p.m. at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area. The attack has left residents shaken, raising fresh concerns about security in the community.
According to local sources, the gunmen arrived in large numbers and targeted the church, which is situated on the outskirts of the town. The pastor was shot dead at the scene, while an unspecified number of worshippers were taken away into a nearby forest.
A resident, who spoke anonymously for safety reasons, said efforts were ongoing to determine how many people were abducted. The source described the situation as tense, with the entire community gripped by fear.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the attack on Wednesday and announced that a coordinated rescue effort was underway.
Police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a full investigation and directed security agencies to track down the perpetrators.
He explained that the police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshal, local vigilantes, and hunters, had launched intensive search operations in surrounding forests to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.
The police urged residents to remain calm while assuring that efforts were being intensified to secure the release of the abducted worshippers and prevent further attacks.
Authorities also advised the public to stay alert and report any suspicious movements to security agencies. Religious leaders were encouraged to inform the police ahead of organising late-night events to enable proper security arrangements.
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