There was panic in the Eda Oniyo community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Tuesday evening after armed men attacked a church during an open-air crusade held on the outskirts of the town.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that the attackers were said to have arrived in large numbers and opened fire while the church programme was going on. During the attack, the presiding pastor was killed on the spot, while several worshippers were taken away.
Residents said the gunmen operated for some minutes without resistance before leading victims, including women, children and elderly persons, into a nearby forest. The exact number of those kidnapped has not been confirmed.
People in the area described the incident as frightening, saying the sudden invasion scattered worshippers and forced many to run for safety. Some residents have remained indoors due to fear of further attacks.
“This evening, some gunmen invaded a church around the outskirts of Eda Oniyo during a church programme. They abducted several worshippers, including elderly persons and children.
“They shot the pastor and took the worshippers into the forest. The attackers came in large numbers and were heavily armed,” an eyewitness told Premium Times.
A government security committee member confirmed the incident, saying security operatives have been deployed to the area and are already tracking the attackers. He also said efforts are ongoing to rescue those held hostage.
