Gunmen strike in Ekiti church, kill pastor, abduct worshippers

Gunmen have attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Eda Oniyo-Ekiti in Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting worshippers.

The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident via a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Abutu said the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday when members of the church were holding a night vigil on the outskirts of the town.

Abutu said preliminary investigations revealed that about five gunmen invaded the prayer ground, fatally shot the pastor and abducted some members of the church.

He said the command has commenced a thorough investigation into the incident, with a coordinated manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators.

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Abutu added that the police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilantes, and hunters, had commenced bush-combing to rescue the victims.

The police spokesman urged members of the public to remain calm, noting that necessary measures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence.

Abutu also advised religious leaders to comply with the state government’s directive requiring prior notification to security agencies before holding late-night gatherings.

He further called on residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to security agencies.