Tension gripped Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State after suspected gunmen attacked a church gathering on Tuesday evening.
The incident occurred during an open-air crusade held on the outskirts of the community, where the assailants reportedly stormed the venue in large numbers and opened fire.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers shot and killed the pastor presiding over the programme before abducting several worshippers, including children and elderly persons.
“This evening, some gunmen invaded a church around the outskirts of Eda Oniyo during a church programme. They abducted several worshippers, including elderly persons and children.
“They shot the pastor and took the worshippers into the forest. The attackers came in large numbers and were heavily armed,” eyewitnesses said.
The gunmen were said to have operated for several minutes before fleeing into the forest with their captives.
The attack has left residents in fear, while concerns continue to grow over security in the area.
