Kidnappers who abducted worshippers during a church attack in Eda Oniyo community in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State reportedly contacted families of the victims, demanding a ransom of ₦1 billion........…
The Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Joseph Awolola, .... confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the abductors had reached out and insisted they were still within the community’s forest.
“They told us they want ₦1 billion. .... They are also telling us that they are still on Eda land,” the monarch said in an interview with AIT, as fear continues to spread among residents.
The abduction followed a deadly attack on a church during an evening crusade, where gunmen reportedly opened fire, killed the presiding pastor, and whisked away several worshippers, including women and children.
In response to the worsening insecurity, traditional rulers from neighbouring communities have called for an immediate ban on night church services, warning that late-night religious gatherings are exposing residents to avoidable danger.
The monarchs also demanded a full review of the local security system, criticising what they described as a delayed and ineffective response by security agencies.
According to them, it took more than an hour for security operatives to arrive at the scene, by which time the attackers had already escaped into the forest with their victims.
The incident has heightened fear across Ekiti and neighbouring states, amid rising cases of abductions in parts of Kwara and Kogi.
Ekiti State’s Special Adviser on Security, retired Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana, alongside Commissioner of Police Michael Falade, has since visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment.
They assured residents that a coordinated rescue operation was underway and urged the public to provide credible intelligence to aid ongoing efforts.
“We are all aware of what is happening in Kwara and Kogi states. We must face the reality on ground and act accordingly,” Ogundana said.
“When you see something, say something. Let’s work together and support security agencies with timely information. We are on top of the situation, and by God’s grace, the victims will be rescued and the perpetrators arrested.”
The police had earlier confirmed the attack, saying the gunmen struck during a late-night prayer session, killing the pastor and abducting several congregants.
Security agencies, including the police, military, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters, have launched a joint search-and-rescue operation, combing surrounding forests for the victims and the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, residents remain on edge, with growing calls for urgent measures to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence in the state’s security architecture.…READ / MORE…
