The Ekiti State Government has commenced full-scale surveillance operations in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, to track down gunmen responsible for the attack on a church in the community.
The assailants had invaded a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church during a vigil on Tuesday night, killing the pastor and abducting about 15 worshippers into a nearby forest.
In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, condemned the attack, describing it as heinous and unacceptable.
He said the government had deployed security agencies to the area and remained committed to rescuing the abducted victims and bringing those responsible to justice.
“The government extends its condolences to the families of the victims and assures residents that decisive steps are being taken to restore security. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of those abducted,” he said.
Olatunbosun disclosed that a high-level security delegation led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), had been dispatched to the community for an on-the-spot assessment and to coordinate operations.
He added that the delegation, alongside the state Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, met with a joint security team comprising the police, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes to strengthen response efforts.
According to him, troops of the 148 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have also been deployed to the area, while surveillance operations have been intensified to track the attackers and prevent further incidents.
Security operatives, he said, are currently carrying out search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons.
The commissioner noted that the proximity of the church to a forest area highlighted the need for increased vigilance in such locations.
He urged residents to remain calm and security conscious, particularly during late-night activities, and advised organisers of vigils to notify security agencies in advance.
Olatunbosun reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring that those behind the attack would be apprehended and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress in the state also condemned the incident, describing it as senseless and inhuman.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, the party warned against politicising the attack and called for swift justice.
It commended security agencies for their prompt response and expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased pastor, the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola, and residents of the community, while praying for the safe release of the abducted victims.
