Bandits Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers in Attack on Ekiti Church

Ekiti – April 28, 2026

Grief has gripped Eda-Oniyo Ekiti, headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, after suspected bandits attacked worshippers during a revival service on Tuesday evening.

The incident occurred at about 6:45 p.m. at Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Number Two, where members had gathered for a special revival programme.

Eyewitnesses said the armed attackers stormed the church and opened fire on the congregation, sending worshippers fleeing in panic.

A visiting revivalist from Osun State, identified as Pastor Aregbe, was shot dead during the assault.

Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Mr. Pius Alaba, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview. He said several worshippers remain missing and the exact number of those abducted is yet to be ascertained.

“Information from the resident pastor indicates that while some members escaped into the bush, others were shot. The body of the slain pastor has been deposited at the morgue,” Alaba said.

Several other worshippers sustained varying degrees of injuries. At least six persons have been declared missing, raising fears they may have been abducted by the assailants.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers arrived shortly before 7:00 p.m. and carried out the raid without resistance.

“The entire community is in mourning. Families are still searching for their loved ones. So far, about six people cannot be accounted for,” the source said.

As of press time, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the attack. Efforts to determine the full extent of casualties and abductions are ongoing.