Ekiti orders churches to stop night services after gunmen strike

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has directed that all night-time church vigils in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, be put on hold after an armed attack on a worship centre left a pastor dead and several congregants kidnapped.

The order comes days after gunmen stormed a church in the community, killing a cleric and taking roughly 15 worshippers hostage, heightening fear among residents.

Speaking during a visit to the area on Sunday, the governor said the state would respond decisively to the incident. He stressed that kidnapping and other violent crimes would be confronted, while efforts were being intensified to secure the victims’ freedom and forestall further attacks.

Oyebanji, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, described the situation as deeply unfortunate but assured residents that security agencies were already working in concert to restore calm.

He noted that suspending night vigils was a precautionary move, advising churches to shift services to daytime for the moment as authorities work to stabilise the environment.

He said the government remained committed to the community, promising that no effort would be spared in rescuing those abducted and improving safety.

The governor also drew attention to the area’s vulnerability due to its location near state boundaries, explaining that criminal groups often exploit forest corridors and weak border controls to carry out attacks.

Residents were urged to stay vigilant and cooperate with security operatives, while he warned against aiding criminal elements from within the community.

Traditional ruler of the town, the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Julius Awolola, said the attack had left the community shaken and called for a more visible security presence.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union, Rufus Ajayi, disclosed that locals had begun work on a police station close to the Eda Oniyo–Obbo Ayegunle boundary to strengthen security.

He appealed for government backing to complete the facility and requested the establishment of a military formation to reinforce protection in the area.

Residents said the incident reflects a troubling pattern of attacks and called for swift, sustained intervention to ensure the safety of lives and property.