Sources said the armed attackers stormed the crusade ground on the outskirts of the community in large numbers, opened fire, killed a pastor, and abducted several worshippers.
Panic broke out in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Tuesday evening after suspected gunmen attacked a church during an open-air crusade.
Sources said the armed attackers stormed the crusade ground on the outskirts of the community in large numbers, opened fire, killed a pastor, and abducted several worshippers.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen operated for several minutes before forcing their victims into the nearby forest.
One resident said, “This evening, gunmen invaded a church on the outskirts of Eda Oniyo during a programme.
They abducted several worshippers, including elderly people and children.
They shot the pastor and took the worshippers into the forest. They were heavily armed and came in large numbers.”
Although the exact number of abducted persons has not yet been confirmed, the incident has thrown the community into panic.
A government official and member of the state security committee, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the attack, adding that security operatives had been deployed to the area and were already tracking the attackers.
“Yes, some worshippers were kidnapped in Eda Oniyo today. Security agencies are involved. Operatives have been deployed and are on the trail of the attackers,” the official said.
Attempts to get an official response from the police were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, were not answered.
Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep