A former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers during an attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Gunmen, reportedly numbering about seven, were said to have invaded a revival programme around 7:30pm, opened fire, killed a guest pastor and abducted no fewer than 13 worshippers.
Eyewitnesses said the attack, which lasted several minutes, caused panic in the community as residents fled for safety.
In a statement made available on Friday, Olawepo-Hashim described the incident as tragic and disturbing, expressing sympathy with the victims and their families.
“My thoughts are with those abducted, and I stand with their families in this difficult time,” he said.
He also commiserated with the family of the deceased pastor, the church and residents of Eda Oniyo and surrounding communities.
The former presidential candidate, however, raised concerns over the reported delay in security response despite distress calls, noting that timely intervention could have reduced the impact of the attack.
While acknowledging ongoing rescue efforts by security operatives, he stressed the need for a more proactive and intelligence-driven strategy to address insecurity.
“Our communities must not continue to live under threat. Places of worship should remain safe havens, not scenes of violence,” he said.
Olawepo-Hashim urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted worshippers and ensure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.
He also called on governments at all levels to strengthen local security structures, improve rapid-response systems and restore public confidence in safety measures.
The attack has further heightened concerns over insecurity in rural communities, as incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks continue to be reported across parts of the country.
Residents of Eda Oniyo were said to be gripped by fear, while security personnel continued search operations in nearby forests to locate the abducted victims.
