DistantNews
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Gunmen Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers in Ekiti Church Attack

From The Punch · (6m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Ekiti State, Nigeria, killing a pastor and abducting worshippers.
  • The incident occurred during a church program, causing panic among residents due to rising insecurity.
  • Police have launched a rescue operation and manhunt for the perpetrators, urging the public to be vigilant.

A wave of fear has gripped Eda Oniyo Ekiti in Nigeria's Ekiti State following a brutal attack on a Christ Apostolic Church, which resulted in the death of a pastor and the abduction of an unspecified number of worshippers. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night during a church program, has amplified concerns over the escalating insecurity plaguing the region.

The invaders were many. They killed the pastor and took away some worshippers. We cannot say the number yet. Moves to collate those who are missing have begun. The community is in a panic mode for now.

— Community sourceA local resident describing the attack and the immediate aftermath.

Eyewitnesses report that a large group of armed assailants stormed the church premises on the outskirts of the town, fatally shooting the pastor before forcing worshippers into a nearby forest. The exact number of abducted individuals remains unclear as community members work to account for those missing, plunging the area into a state of panic.

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.

— Sunday AbutuPolice Public Relations Officer detailing the multi-agency response to the attack.

In response, the Ekiti State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies including the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, has initiated an aggressive search operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the culprits. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation and a manhunt for those responsible. The police are urging residents to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and have advised religious leaders to notify authorities before organizing late-night gatherings to ensure adequate security measures are in place. The community awaits the safe return of the abducted worshippers and justice for the slain pastor.

The commissioner of Police calls for calm as necessary steps are currently being taken to salvage the situation and forestall recurrence.

— Sunday AbutuPolice assurance to the public regarding ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis.
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.

More Stories

From Our Blog