Bandits who abducted worshippers during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church parish in Ekiti State have demanded ₦1 billion for their release.
Residents of Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, where the incident took place, remain gripped by fear and mourning.
The assailants reportedly invaded the church during a revival programme at about 7:15 p.m., firing shots for more than 30 minutes before taking 15 individuals into a nearby forest.
The напад also resulted in the death of a visiting pastor, while families of the victims continue to await updates on efforts to secure their freedom.
Following the incident, community leaders have renewed calls for a stronger security presence in the area.
They also urged the state government to consider temporarily halting evening programmes and other late-night gatherings to prevent a recurrence.
In response, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, visited the community and ordered the immediate deployment of a joint security team, including police, military personnel and other operatives, to carry out coordinated search operations in surrounding forests.
Falade assured residents that security agencies were making every effort to secure the safe return of those abducted.
“We will do everything within our capacity to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive and reunited with their families,” he said.
The traditional ruler of the community, the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Oladipo Owodola, condemned the incident, describing it as deeply troubling.
He appealed to both the state and federal governments to reinforce security arrangements in the area, which residents say has become increasingly exposed to attacks.
Security operations are ongoing, although there has been no official confirmation of any rescue or progress in negotiations.