Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Tuesday evening attacked Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda Oniyo, headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and several worshippers missing.
The attack reportedly occurred around 6:45 p.m. during a special revival programme at the church, where worshippers had gathered for service. Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the church and opened fire on the congregation, killing the revivalist identified as Pastor Aregbe. Several other worshippers were said to have sustained injuries during the attack.
Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Mr. Pius Alaba, confirmed the incident, saying a number of persons were still unaccounted for, while the exact number of those abducted had yet to be determined.
According to him, information from the pastor in charge of the church indicated that some worshippers escaped into the surrounding bush during the attack, while others were shot by the gunmen.
Alaba also disclosed that the remains of the slain pastor had been deposited at the morgue.
A community member, who also confirmed the incident, said the attack had thrown residents into fear and anxiety, calling on the government to urgently deploy security personnel to safeguard lives and property in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
