Panic gripped residents of Eda Oniyo Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government Area on Tuesday evening after suspected gunmen stormed a church during an open-air crusade.
According to reports, the attackers arrived in large numbers at the worship ground on the outskirts of the community, opened fire, killed a pastor, and abducted several worshippers, including elderly individuals and children.
Witnesses said the armed men operated for several minutes before fleeing into the forest with their captives. The exact number of those abducted has not yet been confirmed, but the incident has left the community in shock and fear.
A senior government official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the attack and said security operatives have been deployed to the area. He added that efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.
“Yes, some worshippers were kidnapped today in Eda Oniyo, but security agencies are already on the ground and pursuing the perpetrators,” the source stated.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Sunday Abutu, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.