Following an armed attack on a worship center that resulted in the death of a pastor and the kidnapping of several attendees, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has ordered that all nighttime church vigils in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, be suspended.
The order was issued a few days after gunmen invaded a local church, murdering a pastor and kidnapping about fifteen congregants, raising neighbors’ anxiety.
The governor declared that the state would take serious action in response to the event when visiting the region on Sunday. He emphasized that while efforts were being stepped up to secure the victims’ freedom and prevent future atrocities, kidnapping and other violent crimes will be addressed.
Represented by Chief Monisade Afuye, his deputy, Oyebanji called the situation extremely regrettable but reassured the locals that security services were already cooperating to bring about peace.
He advised churches to temporarily transfer their services to the daylight while police attempt to stabilize the situation, noting that the suspension of night vigils was a precautionary measure.
He declared that the administration was still dedicated to the community and that every effort would be made to improve safety and rescue those who had been kidnapped.
The governor also highlighted the region’s vulnerability because of its proximity to state borders, stating that criminal organizations frequently use forest corridors and lax border controls to launch attacks.
He cautioned against supporting criminal groups from within the community while urging residents to remain watchful and assist security personnel.
ENigeria Newspaper gathered that residents demanded prompt, ongoing intervention to protect people and property, claiming that the episode reflects a concerning pattern of attacks.
