Reps demand rescue of abducted worshippers, justice for slain Ekiti pastor

The Nigerian House of Representatives has demanded the swift rescue of worshippers abducted during a violent attack on a church crusade in Ekiti State. Lawmakers also called for coordinated operations to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

The resolution followed a motion highlighting the April 28 incident where 16 worshippers were abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area. The attackers, described as armed assailants with sophisticated weapons, also killed the presiding pastor. The gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance before retreating into nearby forests with their victims.

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The gunmen carried out the operation for several minutes without resistance before retreating into nearby forests with their victims.

Initially demanding N1 billion in ransom, which was later reduced, the community managed to raise and pay N10.5 million. Despite this payment, the abducted individuals remain in captivity. The attack has underscored the escalating insecurity in rural communities and places of worship across Nigeria, violating citizens' constitutional right to freedom of worship.

The House condemned the assault, expressing sympathy to the affected families and the Eda Oniyo community. It urged the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Department of State Services, and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts for the captives' release and to bring those responsible to justice. Lawmakers also called for enhanced federal government security presence in Ekiti State and other vulnerable areas through improved intelligence, surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms.

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The attack not only resulted in the loss of innocent lives but also “violated citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of worship and further eroded public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.”