Gunmen Attack Ekiti Church During Crusade, Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers

Gunmen attacked a church during an open-air crusade in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Tuesday evening, killing the presiding pastor and abducting several worshippers.

Residents said the attackers stormed the church on the outskirts of the community while the service was in progress, opened fire and forced an undisclosed number of worshippers, including women, children and elderly members, into a nearby forest.

Community sources said the gunmen, described as heavily armed, operated for several minutes before leaving with the abducted victims.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers arrived in large numbers and shot the pastor during the assault before taking worshippers away.

The number of those abducted had yet to be confirmed as of press time, but the incident has triggered fear across the community.

A senior government official and member of the state security committee confirmed the attack, saying security operatives had been deployed to the area and were pursuing the assailants.

According to the official, efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted worshippers.

The attack comes amid growing concern over kidnappings and insecurity in parts of the country.

Police authorities had yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report, as attempts to reach the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, were unsuccessful.