Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has strongly condemned the killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers during a violent attack on a church in Ekiti State, describing the incident as both shocking and deeply disturbing.
The attack, which occurred at Christ Apostolic Church No. 2 Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, reportedly unfolded on Thursday evening during an ongoing revival programme. According to eyewitnesses, about seven armed men, suspected to be bandits, stormed the church premises around 7:30 p.m., opening fire with sophisticated weapons and throwing the peaceful gathering into chaos.
In the confusion that followed, the guest pastor was fatally shot, while no fewer than 13 worshippers were abducted by the attackers. Residents of the quiet community described the incident as terrifying, noting that the assault lasted for approximately 40 minutes, during which sporadic gunfire echoed through the area, forcing people to flee for safety.
“It was like a war zone,” one resident recounted. “People ran in different directions. Some hid in nearby bushes, while others locked themselves indoors, praying the attackers would not come for them.”
The once-calm community of Eda Oniyo was left shaken, with families mourning the loss of the slain cleric and anxiously awaiting news about the abducted victims. Local leaders and residents have since called for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further attacks.
Reacting to the tragedy in a statement made available on Friday, Olawepo-Hashim expressed profound grief over the loss of life and the abduction of innocent worshippers. He described the incident as an assault not only on a religious institution but also on the fundamental right of Nigerians to gather and worship freely without fear.
“This is a heartbreaking and unacceptable, he said. “Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace and hope, not scenes of violence and terror. The killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers in such a setting is a grave reminder of the security challenges we continue to face as a nation.”
He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased pastor and to members of the church, while also expressing solidarity with the families of those who were taken.
Olawepo-Hashim used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure vulnerable communities, particularly in rural areas where response times are often slow and residents remain exposed to attacks.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture, including improved intelligence gathering, community policing, and better coordination among security forces.
“We cannot continue like this,” he said. “The safety of lives and property must be treated as the highest priority. Government must act decisively to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to justice.”
The incident adds to growing concerns about insecurity in parts of the country, where attacks on communities, schools, and places of worship have continued to raise alarm among citizens and stakeholders alike.
As investigations into the Ekiti church attack begin, many are hoping for swift action that will not only secure the release of the abducted worshippers but also restore a sense of safety to the affected community. For the people of Eda Oniyo, however, the scars of that night may linger far longer, serving as a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in the face of rising insecurity.
