Gunmen have launched a deadly attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers during a night vigil.
The incident, which has left the community shaken, occurred late Tuesday night as members of the church gathered for prayers on the outskirts of the town.
Police authorities confirmed the attack on Wednesday, saying it happened around 10:30 p.m. when a group of armed men stormed the prayer ground.
According to preliminary findings, the assailants opened fire, killing the pastor on the spot before taking away an unspecified number of worshippers.
The spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command said security forces have since launched a coordinated operation to track down the attackers and rescue those taken.
A joint search effort is already underway, involving multiple security outfits, including the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters.
Teams have been deployed into nearby forests and surrounding areas in what officials described as an aggressive manhunt.
Authorities say the priority is to secure the safe return of the abducted victims while bringing those responsible to justice.
Police have also appealed to residents to remain calm but alert, stressing the importance of community cooperation at a time like this. Members of the public have been urged to report any suspicious movement or unfamiliar persons in their areas to security agencies.
In addition, religious leaders across the state have been reminded to comply with existing directives requiring them to notify authorities before organising late-night gatherings.
Officials say such measures are intended to improve response times and enhance security coordination.
The attack adds to growing concerns about security in parts of the country, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities where places of worship and public gatherings have increasingly become soft targets.
For now, residents of Eda Oniyo-Ekiti remain on edge as security forces continue their search, hoping for swift progress in rescuing those abducted and preventing further violence.
