Residents of Eda-Oniyo Ekiti, the headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area in Ekiti State, have been thrown into grief following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on a church gathering in the community.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, April 28, 2026, at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Number Two, where worshippers had gathered for a special revival programme.
Eyewitness accounts said the attackers stormed the church at about 6:45 p.m., opening fire on the congregation and triggering panic among worshippers.
A visiting revivalist from Osun State, identified as Pastor Aregbe, was reportedly shot dead during the attack.
Several other worshippers sustained varying degrees of injuries, while at least six persons were reportedly abducted by the assailants.
A prominent community leader who confirmed the incident said the gunmen arrived shortly before 7 p.m. and carried out the attack with little resistance.
“The entire community is in mourning. Families are still searching for their loved ones, and so far, about six people cannot be accounted for,” the source said.
A top government official and member of the state’s security committee, who spoke under anonymity, also confirmed the attack.
The source said security operatives had been deployed to the area and were on the trail of the attackers.
“Yes, some worshippers were kidnapped in Eda Oniyo today, but security agencies are involved. The government has deployed security operatives to the area and they are already on the trail of the attackers,” the source added.

