Pandemonium broke out in Eda Oniyo Ekiti on Tuesday evening as suspected gunmen invaded a local church. The attackers struck during an open-air crusade being held at the outskirts of the community.
The daredevil men arrived in large numbers and opened fire on the unsuspecting worshippers. Witnesses confirmed that the bandits killed the presiding pastor during the violent onslaught.
Several worshippers abducted into Ekiti forest
The heavily armed group operated for several minutes before whisking away numerous victims into the nearby forest. Community sources revealed that the abductees include children and elderly persons.
The exact number of kidnapped victims remains unknown as the community grapples with the shock of the incident. Residents have expressed deep panic over the increasing boldness of armed groups in the area.
Security operatives begin trail of the kidnappers
A top government official confirmed that security agencies have already been deployed to the Ilejemeje Local Government Area. The state security committee is currently monitoring the situation to ensure the safe rescue of all victims.
The Ekiti State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the casualties. Security forces remain confident that they will track down the attackers and bring them to justice.
