Armed gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Ekiti State, Nigeria, killing a pastor and abducting an unknown number of worshippers during a Tuesday night service.
A peaceful church programme turned deadly on Tuesday evening when armed gunmen stormed a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The attack, which occurred around 8:30 PM, left a pastor dead and an unspecified number of worshippers abducted into a nearby forest.
Community sources described a chaotic and terrifying scene. “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,” one source said.
Nigerian security forces — including the police, army, Amotekun Corps, and local hunters — have launched a joint rescue operation. Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu confirmed authorities are conducting “aggressive bush combing operations.”
In the aftermath, police are urging religious leaders to notify authorities before organizing late-night gatherings so security arrangements can be made — a sobering reminder of the growing threat facing faith communities across Nigeria.