Ekiti residents recount church attack as police launch manhunt for gunmen
Residents of Eda Oniyo Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State have recounted harrowing moments when suspected gunmen invaded a church during a night service. The attack, which
Residents of Eda Oniyo Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State have recounted harrowing moments when suspected gunmen invaded a church during a night service.
The attack, which occurred late Tuesday on the outskirts of the community, left a pastor dead while several worshippers were abducted by the assailants.
Residents who spoke with our correspondent described the incident as one of the most severe security breaches the community has experienced in recent years.
One resident, who identified himself simply as Boris, said the sound of sporadic gunshots initially created confusion before it became clear that the church was under attack.
“We first thought it was hunters operating around the bush, but when the gunshots continued and people started screaming, everyone began to run for safety. It was a terrible experience,” he said.
Another resident said the families of the abducted worshippers had been thrown into emotional distress, especially as some of the victims were elderly persons and children.
“Many people have not slept since the incident happened. Some families are still searching for their loved ones, while others are praying for their safe return,” the resident added.
A worshipper who escaped the incident said that the gunmen stormed the prayer ground unexpectedly and began shooting indiscriminately.
“We were in the middle of prayers when we heard gunshots. Everybody started running in different directions. Some people fell, while others escaped into nearby bushes,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected gunmen who abducted the worshippers.
The command said that preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred at about 10:30pm on Tuesday when about five armed men invaded the prayer ground located around the outskirts of the community.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Micheal, had directed an intensive investigation into the incident and ordered security operatives to go after the perpetrators.
He disclosed that the police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters, had commenced aggressive bush-combing operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and arresting the attackers.
Abutu further urged residents and religious leaders across the state to always notify security agencies before organising late-night gatherings to enable adequate security deployment and monitoring.
