Gunmen Kill CAC Pastor, Kidnap Worshippers In Ekiti
Gunmen stormed a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) assembly in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing the Pastor and kidnapping worshippers reportedly during an overnight vigil programme.
Confirming the incident in a statement, Sunday Abutu, the Ekiti state police spokesperson, said the command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
This assault on CAC comes some five months after a similar attack on the church’s branch in Kwara State November 2025.
Abutu said preliminary investigations indicated that about five armed men stormed the prayer ground at 10:30pm on Tuesday night, fatally shot the Pastor and whisked away some members of the congregation.
The attack reportedly occurred around 8:30pm during a church programme.
The assailants were reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons.
They stormed the church, located on the outskirts of the town, opened fire on worshippers, and fatally shot the presiding Pastor before whisking away several congregants into a nearby forest.
Residents described the incident as shocking, noting that such a violent attack on a religious gathering underscored the growing reach of armed groups into previously less-affected rural areas of Ekiti State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered an immediate investigation and deployment of tactical teams to track down the perpetrators.
According to Abutu, security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Rangers, local vigilantes, and hunters, had launched aggressive bush-combing operations in surrounding forests to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.
“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have commenced intensive bush-combing operations and a manhunt for the perpetrators to ensure the rescue of the victims and bring the culprits to justice,” he said.
He added that the police were committed to restoring calm in the area and preventing a recurrence of such attacks.
“The Commissioner of Police calls on residents to remain calm as necessary steps are being taken to address the situation. Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies promptly,” Abutu stated.
“The Commissioner of Police calls for calm as necessary steps are currently being taken to salvage the situation and forestall recurrence.
“Members of the public are charged to be security conscious, vigilant and promptly report any suspicious person or group of persons found within their environments to the police and other security agencies for necessary proactive actions.”
He also advised religious leaders to comply with the state government’s directive requiring prior notification to security agencies before organising late-night gatherings.
