Ekiti church attack: Olawepo-Hashim condemns pastor’s killing, abduction of worshippers

Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers during an attack on Christ Apostolic Church No. 2 in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Suspected bandits, said to be about seven in number, reportedly stormed a revival programme at about 7:30 p.m., opened fire with sophisticated weapons, killed the guest pastor, and abducted no fewer than 13 worshippers.

Eyewitness accounts said the attack lasted about 40 minutes, forcing residents to flee as the community was thrown into panic.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Friday, Olawepo-Hashim described the incident as shocking and deeply disturbing, expressing grief over the loss of life and the abduction of innocent worshippers.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those abducted, and I stand in solidarity with their families at this painful time,” he said.

He also commiserated with the family of the slain pastor, the church, and residents of Eda Oniyo and neighbouring communities.

The former presidential candidate, however, raised concerns over the reported delay in security response despite distress calls during the attack, noting that swift intervention could have reduced the impact of the assault.

While acknowledging ongoing search-and-rescue operations by security personnel in nearby forests, he stressed the need for a more proactive and intelligence-driven approach to tackling insecurity.

“Our communities cannot continue to live at the mercy of criminal elements. Places of worship must remain sanctuaries of peace, not theatres of violence,” he said.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

Olawepo-Hashim also urged governments at all levels to strengthen local security frameworks, enhance rapid-response mechanisms, and rebuild public confidence in the protection of lives and property.

The attack has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in rural communities, particularly in parts of the South-West and North, where kidnappings and violent assaults have persisted.

In recent months, several incidents involving attacks on communities and religious centres have been recorded, prompting renewed calls for improved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and quicker response by security agencies.

Residents of Eda Oniyo were said to be living in fear as security operatives continued combing the surrounding bushes in search of the abducted worshippers.