- Gunmen attacked a church crusade in Ekiti State on Tuesday evening.
- A pastor was killed during the invasion.
- Several worshippers were abducted and taken into a forest.
- Police and security agencies have launched a rescue operation.
A pastor has been killed and several worshippers abducted after gunmen invaded an open-air church crusade in Ekiti State.
The attack happened on Tuesday evening at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eda Oniyo Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area.
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Community sources said the armed attackers arrived in large numbers, stormed the church located on the outskirts of the town, shot the pastor dead and whisked away worshippers into a nearby forest.
One resident, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said the exact number of abducted victims was still being determined.
“The invaders were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We cannot say the number yet. The community is in panic mode,” the source said.
The incident reportedly threw the area into fear as families began searching for missing loved ones.
A top government source also confirmed the attack, saying security personnel had already been deployed to the area.
“Yes, some worshippers were kidnapped in Eda Oniyo today, but security agencies are involved,” the source said.
The Ekiti State Police Command later confirmed that a rescue operation was underway.
Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu said the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a full investigation and immediate manhunt for the attackers.
“The Police in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Vigilantes and local hunters have commenced aggressive bush combing operations,” Abutu said.
He urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The police also advised religious leaders to notify authorities before organising late-night gatherings so security measures can be arranged.
