Gunmen on Tuesday evening attacked a church during an open-air crusade in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.

The attackers, described by residents as heavily armed, reportedly stormed the crusade ground on the outskirts of the community and opened fire, throwing the area into panic.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants operated for several minutes before whisking their victims into a nearby forest.

“This evening, some gunmen invaded a church around the outskirts of Eda Oniyo during a programme. They abducted several worshippers, including elderly persons and children.

“They shot the pastor and took the worshippers into the forest. The attackers came in large numbers and were heavily armed,” a community source said.

The exact number of victims could not be immediately confirmed, but the incident has heightened fear among residents.

A top government official and member of the state’s security committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack, noting that security operatives had been deployed to the area.

“Yes, some worshippers were kidnapped in Eda Oniyo today, but security agencies are involved. The government has deployed operatives who are already on the trail of the attackers,” the source said.

Efforts to reach the Ekiti State Police Command for official confirmation were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, were not responded to as of press time.