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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Ekiti Govt Activates Surveillance to Track Church Attackers

From The Punch · (5m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Ekiti State Government has launched surveillance operations to find gunmen who attacked a church and abducted worshippers.
  • The attack occurred during a vigil service in Eda Oniyo, resulting in the pastor's death and the kidnapping of about 15 people.
  • Security forces, including the army and local vigilantes, are conducting search and rescue operations, with the government vowing to apprehend the perpetrators.

The Ekiti State Government is taking decisive action following a heinous attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, a community situated on the border with Kwara State. The incident, which saw the pastor killed and approximately 15 worshippers abducted during a vigil service, has been met with swift condemnation and a robust security response. Commissioner for Information Taiwo Olatunbosun assured the public that surveillance operations are in full swing, particularly in the Eda Oniyo axis, to track down the assailants and ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.

The Ekiti State Government strongly condemns the recent attack on Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area. The incident is heinous and unacceptable.

— Taiwo OlatunbosunExpressing the government's strong condemnation of the attack.

A high-powered security delegation, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), was immediately deployed for an on-the-spot assessment. This delegation, working in concert with the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has coordinated a joint security team comprising the police, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups. The 148 Battalion of the Nigerian Army has also been deployed to the area, underscoring the seriousness with which the government views this security breach.

The government extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assures all residents that it remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state.

— Taiwo OlatunbosunOffering condolences and reaffirming the government's commitment to security.

The government's message to residents is one of reassurance and vigilance. While urging calm, citizens are advised to be security-conscious, especially regarding late-night activities in border communities and areas adjacent to forests. Conveners of such events are now required to notify security agencies in advance. This incident, occurring in a border community, highlights the persistent security challenges faced in the region and the government's commitment to employing all available resources, including intensified surveillance and coordinated security efforts, to maintain peace and bring perpetrators to justice. The focus remains on rescuing the victims and ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law.

No stone will be left unturned in efforts to rescue the abducted persons and bring the perpetrators to justice.

— Taiwo OlatunbosunVowing to pursue the perpetrators and rescue the kidnapped worshippers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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