By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
A peaceful night vigil in Eda Oniyo, headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, turned into a scene of horror as suspected gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.
The tragic incident, which has thrown the quiet community into mourning, occurred on Tuesday during a special revival programme attended by scores of worshippers.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the church premises and opened fire, causing panic among congregants. In the chaos that followed, the presiding revivalist, identified as Pastor Aregbe, was shot dead, while several others sustained injuries.
Residents disclosed that the attackers operated for several minutes, forcing many worshippers to flee into nearby bushes to escape being caught in the assault.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Pius Alaba, said a number of worshippers are still unaccounted for, noting that the exact number of those abducted remains unclear.
“According to the church leadership, some members escaped, while others were either shot or taken away by the attackers,” he said.
Alaba also confirmed that the remains of the slain pastor have been deposited in a morgue.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, describing the incident as a serious security breach.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, has ordered a thorough investigation into the attack.
He explained that preliminary findings suggest the incident occurred later in the night, around 10:30 p.m., during an all-night prayer session on the outskirts of the town, where about five armed men reportedly carried out the operation.
“We have commenced a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters. Aggressive bush-combing efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the attackers,” Abutu stated.
The Commissioner of Police urged residents to remain calm, assuring that security agencies are intensifying efforts to restore safety and prevent a recurrence.
He also advised religious leaders to comply with existing directives requiring prior notification to security agencies before organizing large or late-night gatherings to ensure adequate protection.
Residents were further urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies.