The Ekiti State Government has launched a major security operation following a deadly attack on a church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, where a cleric identified as Pastor Aregbe was killed and several worshippers abducted by suspected bandits.
The attack reportedly occurred around 8 p.m. during a night vigil service when gunmen stormed the church and opened fire to scatter worshippers before dragging victims into nearby forests.
Eyewitnesses and community sources said between 13 and 15 worshippers, including women and young girls, were kidnapped during the raid.
Residents also alleged that the attackers had contacted families of the victims and demanded N1 billion ransom for their release.
Reacting to the incident, the Ekiti State Government expressed grief over the attack and assured residents that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the government described the incident as tragic and condemned the attack.
“No stone will be left unturned in efforts to secure the safe return of the victims and ensure that those behind this reprehensible act are apprehended,” the statement read.
As part of immediate measures, the government deployed a security team led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana, to coordinate operations in the affected area.
The operation involves personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups.
The state government also approved the deployment of more than 140 soldiers from the 148 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, including the commanding officer, to strengthen security presence in the community.
Security operatives have since intensified surveillance and launched bush-combing operations across forests surrounding the area in search of the abductors and victims.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, confirmed the incident during a visit to the community.
According to him, a joint rescue mission involving police, military personnel and other security agencies commenced shortly after the attack was reported.
Falade disclosed that security operatives had already been conducting routine operations around border communities because of security concerns linked to neighbouring states.
He stressed that security remained a collective responsibility and appealed to residents to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing rescue efforts.