Gunmen Kill Pastor, Abduct 15 Worshippers in Ekiti Church Attack, Demand N1 Billion Ransom

Key facts

• Attack occurred at about 10:30pm on Tuesday at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Ekiti State.
• At least 15 worshippers were abducted and the presiding pastor was killed during the night vigil.
• The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N1 billion for the release of the victims.
• Ekiti State Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu confirmed the incident and said a manhunt is underway.
• Security agencies involved include the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters.
• Traditional rulers have called on the state government to restrict late-night religious activities.
• Police advised religious leaders to notify security agencies before organizing late-night gatherings.

Night Vigil Turns Deadly in Ekiti Community

Panic swept through the Eda-Oniyo community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Tuesday night after gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church vigil, killing a visiting pastor and abducting no fewer than 15 worshippers. The assailants, about five armed men according to preliminary police investigations, stormed the prayer ground at approximately 10:30pm and opened fire on congregants. The presiding pastor, who was in the town for a revival programme, was fatally shot before the gunmen whisked away several worshippers into the surrounding bush. The attack has plunged the community into fear, with residents and traditional rulers calling for urgent security measures.

N1 Billion Ransom Demand Stuns Residents

Sources disclosed that the kidnappers have since contacted the community, demanding a staggering N1 billion ransom for the release of the victims. The Eleda of Eda-Oniyo Ekiti, Oba Joseph Awolola, confirmed the demand, saying it had heightened tension across the town. “The abductors are demanding N1 billion ransom to secure the release of the worshippers. This has thrown the entire town into fear,” the monarch said. The huge sum has left many residents distraught, as the community grapples with the safety of those taken.

Security Forces Launch Coordinated Manhunt

The Ekiti State Police Command has launched a coordinated operation to apprehend the attackers and rescue the abducted victims. Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu stated that security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, the Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters, have commenced aggressive bush-combing operations in the area. “The Police in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, the Agro Marshal, the Vigilantes and the local hunters have commenced an aggressive bush combing operations and a serious manhunt on the perpetrators in order to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the culprits,” Abutu said in a statement. The commissioner of police has called for calm while assuring that necessary steps are being taken to salvage the situation and prevent a recurrence.

Traditional Rulers Urge Restrictions on Late-Night Worship

In the wake of the incident, traditional rulers and residents have called on the Ekiti State Government to impose restrictions on late-night religious activities as part of urgent measures to curb rising insecurity. Oba Bamidele Adetutu Ajayi, one of the monarchs, urged security agencies to adopt more discreet operational strategies, particularly during bush-combing exercises. He warned that information leaks from within communities could be aiding criminal elements. The call reflects growing concern over the vulnerability of worshippers during nocturnal gatherings in the state.

Police Advise Compliance with Notification Directive

Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu advised religious leaders to comply with the state government’s directive requiring prior notification to security agencies before organizing late-night gatherings. He implored the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, providing an emergency contact number, 08062335577, for prompt response. The directive, already in place, aims to enhance security monitoring of such events. The attack underscores the persistent security challenges in Ekiti State, where banditry and kidnapping have become recurring threats.

Community in Fear as Rescue Efforts Continue

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the killing and abduction, calling for swift action to secure the release of the victims. As security forces intensify their search, the community remains on edge, with many residents too afraid to venture out at night. The abduction of 15 worshippers and the murder of a pastor have reignited debates about security in Nigeria’s South-West region. The outcome of the ongoing bush-combing operations will be closely watched by a nation weary of such attacks.

The bottom line

• Gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church vigil in Eda-Oniyo, Ekiti State, killing the pastor and abducting at least 15 worshippers.
• The kidnappers have demanded a N1 billion ransom for the release of the victims.
• Security forces, including the army and local vigilantes, are conducting bush-combing operations to rescue the victims.
• Traditional rulers are urging the state government to restrict late-night religious activities to prevent future attacks.
• Police have reminded religious leaders to notify security agencies before holding late-night gatherings.