Suspected gunmen have attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting an unspecified number of worshippers.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night during a church programme, has thrown the community into panic, with residents expressing fears over rising insecurity in the area.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered a thorough investigation and a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Abutu added that the Ekiti State Police Command had launched a rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted victims.
“The Police in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, the Agro Marshal, the Vigilantes and the local hunters have commenced an aggressive bush combing operations and a serious manhunt on the perpetrators in order to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest and prosecution of the culprits,” Abutu said.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Kill 11, Injure Two In Fresh Katsina Village Attack
He added that the police were working to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible.
“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 added.
Abutu also advised religious leaders to notify the police before organising late-night gatherings to enable adequate security arrangements.