The News Agency of Nigeria reports that gunmen who abducted 15 worshippers during a night vigil at the Christ Apostolic Church No. 2, Eda-Oniyo, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.
The traditional ruler of the community, Joseph Awolola, disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving a government delegation that visited the area following the attack. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, also claimed the life of a guest pastor.
The delegation was led by Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, alongside the State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, and the Chairman of Ilejemeje LGA, Pius Alaba.
Awolola reaffirmed the readiness of the traditional council to support security agencies in restoring peace and preventing further attacks in the community.
Speaking during the visit, Alaba revealed that among those abducted was a family of four—a mother and her three children—adding that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
Reacting to the incident, the Ekiti State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, condemned the attack, describing it as heinous and unacceptable. He expressed condolences to the families of those killed and assured residents of the government’s commitment to rescuing those in captivity.
As part of the response, the state government has deployed a high-powered security team to coordinate operations in the affected area. The effort involves collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups.
Authorities have also ordered the immediate deployment of the 148th Battalion of the Nigerian Army to the community, alongside intensified surveillance operations aimed at tracking down the perpetrators and preventing further security breaches.
