Violent assault on a church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti raises fresh security concerns in southwestern Nigeria.
Gunmen have attacked a church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, located in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers during the incident.
According to initial reports from local sources, the attackers stormed the church during a gathering, opened fire, and forcibly took an unspecified number of congregants. The identity of the deceased pastor has not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
Residents in Eda Oniyo Ekiti described the incident as sudden and traumatic, with the assailants reportedly operating for a short period before fleeing the scene. Security operatives have since been alerted, though official statements from authorities were still pending as of press time.
The attack adds to a growing list of security incidents across parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings and armed assaults have increasingly targeted both rural and semi-urban communities. While the southwest region has historically recorded fewer such cases compared to other parts of the country, recent developments have raised concerns among residents and local leaders.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Nigeria Police Force and the Ekiti State Government were unsuccessful, and details regarding rescue operations or arrests remain unclear.
Details are still emerging regarding the number of victims abducted and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities are expected to intensify security efforts in the area as communities await updates on the victims and possible rescue operations.
