National News – Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting worshippers during a church programme.
The incident unfolded around 8:30 pm, disrupting a religious gathering and throwing the rural community into fear and uncertainty.
According to community sources, the assailants stormed the church around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, opened fire, killed the cleric, and forced several congregants into nearby forests in what appears to be a coordinated armed raid.
The attack highlights worsening insecurity in parts of the South-West, traditionally seen as relatively stable.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that security operatives, including the police, army, local vigilantes, and Amotekun corps, have launched a joint search-and-rescue operation to locate the abducted victims and apprehend the attackers.
The operation focuses on combing surrounding forests where the kidnappers were believed to have fled with the victims.
Residents of Eda Oniyo and neighbouring communities have expressed fear and anger over the recurring insecurity in rural parts of Ekiti, describing the attack as a disturbing escalation targeting places of worship.
Many locals are calling for stronger security presence, especially during evening religious gatherings, while some religious leaders are now reconsidering late-night programmes due to safety concerns.
Analysts warn that the incident highlights broader vulnerabilities in rural surveillance and the need for improved intelligence sharing among security agencies.
The attack, which occurred in Ilejemeje LGA of Ekiti State in the South-West region of Nigeria, underscores ongoing concerns about rural banditry and kidnapping trends spreading beyond the North, raising urgent questions about community policing effectiveness.
Security experts say the incident adds to growing pressure on federal and state authorities to strengthen rural policing architecture, improve rapid response capabilities, and expand intelligence-led operations.
They also note that repeated attacks on soft targets such as churches and schools risk deepening public anxiety and disrupting community life, particularly in smaller towns where security presence is limited.
Observers argue that beyond immediate rescue efforts, sustained investment in community policing, early warning systems, and local intelligence networks will be critical to preventing similar incidents in the future.
Calls for vigilance have intensified across Ekiti communities.
