EDA ONIYO, EKITI STATE — Armed bandits have invaded a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch on the outskirts of Eda Oniyo, the headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The heavily armed gang struck during a church revival programme, fatally shooting a visiting pastor and forcefully marching 15 congregants into the surrounding forest.
The Church Invasion
According to statements from the State Police Command spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, the five-man gang attacked the building while worshippers were gathered. The gunmen opened fire indiscriminately for over 30 minutes, creating a massive stampede.
The deceased cleric, who had traveled to the community to lead the special revival service, died instantly at the scene from gunshot wounds. Among the 15 abducted victims are women, teenagers, and an entire family of four consisting of a mother and her three children.
Ransom Demand and Fresh Panic
Following the abduction, the kidnappers established contact with community leaders and demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion for the release of the hostages. The incident has triggered a severe security scare across the Ilejemeje local council.
Panic deepens following separate reports of gunmen in military uniforms chasing local farmers, forcing multiple neighboring rural churches to abruptly shut down their weekend services.
South-West Security Crisis
The church invasion has exacerbated growing fears over deteriorating security across South-West Nigeria. It comes closely on the heels of another coordinated ambush in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In that separate assault, bandits simultaneously raided three schools, kidnapping 46 people—including 39 pupils and 7 teachers—and subsequently killing one of the abducted educators.
Response from Authorities
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, visited Eda Oniyo to assess the situation. He ordered the immediate deployment of a combined tactical team comprising the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, and local hunters to comb the forest boundaries linking Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states.
The state government has strongly condemned the attack. Authorities are advising religious bodies to give security agencies prior notice before organizing late-night or open-air programs in remote borders.
