Gunmen Kill Pastor and Abduct Worshippers at Church Crusade in Ekiti State

Suspected gunmen attacked an open-air church crusade in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Tuesday night April 28 2026, killing the presiding pastor and abducting a number of worshippers. The attack occurred at approximately 10.30 pm during an all-night prayer session organised by a Christ Apostolic Church congregation on the outskirts of the community.

The Ilejemeje Local Government Area Chairman, Pius Alaba, confirmed the incident on Tuesday night. He said attendance at the programme was estimated at around 50 people and that many participants were able to escape during the attack. The exact number of persons abducted had not been confirmed as of Wednesday morning.

What Happened at the Crusade Ground

According to multiple community sources who spoke to journalists, the armed men arrived at the crusade venue in numbers, opened fire, and shot the pastor who was leading the programme. The congregation fled in different directions. Some escaped into the surrounding area while others were taken by the attackers into a nearby forest.

Sources said those abducted included elderly persons and children who were among the worshippers present at the time of the attack. The attackers operated for several minutes before withdrawing into the forest with the abducted victims.

One community member who spoke on condition of anonymity said: the gunmen invaded the church during the programme, they shot the pastor and took away some worshippers into the forest, they came in large numbers and were heavily armed.

Police Confirm Attack and Launch Rescue Operation

The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu. According to Abutu, the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, ordered a full investigation and directed security operatives to commence a rescue operation.

Abutu stated that the police, working alongside the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local vigilante groups, and hunters, had begun bush-combing operations to locate the victims and track down the attackers.

The Ekiti State Police Command called on residents to remain calm while assuring the public that steps were being taken to rescue the abducted worshippers and arrest those responsible.

Community Reaction

The attack caused significant anxiety in the Eda Oniyo community. Residents expressed concern about the safety of public gatherings, particularly religious programmes held at the outskirts of communities. Families of those who attended the crusade were working through the night to account for their relatives.

The killing of the pastor and the abduction of worshippers from a place of worship has drawn widespread reaction from Nigerians on social media, with many calling on the government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims and take stronger measures to address rising insecurity in rural communities across the country.