Dare Babalola
Suspected gunmen have attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers during a night vigil.
The incident was confirmed on Wednesday by the Ekiti State Police Command through its spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu.
According to the police, the attack happened around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday while members of the church were gathered for a vigil at a prayer ground located on the outskirts of the community.
Preliminary findings showed that about five armed men stormed the venue, opened fire on the pastor and whisked away some congregants to an unknown destination.
Abutu said security operatives had launched an investigation into the attack while efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible.
He added that the police, working alongside the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes and hunters, had begun combing nearby forests and surrounding areas in search of the abducted worshippers.
The command appealed to residents to stay calm, assuring them that measures had been put in place to forestall similar incidents.
The police spokesperson also reminded religious leaders to comply with the Ekiti State Government’s directive mandating prior notification to security agencies before organising overnight programmes.
He further urged members of the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to relevant authorities.
