Reps call for rescue of abducted worshippers in Ekiti, push for better security

The House of Representatives has asked security agencies to work harder to free worshippers taken during a church attack in Ekiti State. They also want stronger security measures to stop similar attacks in vulnerable areas.

This call came after a motion of urgent public importance was discussed during Wednesday’s meeting. Kolawole Akinlayo, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency, sponsored the motion.

The lawmakers’ action follows a month after armed men attacked a Christ Apostolic Church crusade at Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State. During the attack, they killed the pastor and took away 16 worshippers.

While presenting the motion, Mr Akinlayo reminded everyone that the attack happened on 28 April when gunmen invaded an open-air church event and shot at worshippers.

He said the attackers, who had advanced weapons and came in large numbers, carried out the attack for several minutes before running into nearby forests with their victims.

"The attackers killed a pastor and abducted several congregants, including women, elderly persons and children," he stated.

The lawmaker also told the House that the kidnappers first asked for a ransom of N1 billion but later reduced it to N50 million. Although the community raised and paid N10.5 million, the victims have still not been released.

Mr Akinlayo pointed out that this incident shows the worsening security problems facing rural communities and places of worship in Nigeria. He warned that these attacks hurt people’s trust in the country’s security system.

He said beyond the loss of lives, the attack violated the constitutional right of Nigerians to practice their religion freely and safely.

The lawmaker noted that the incident revealed ongoing security gaps in rural areas and showed how bold criminal groups have become in remote locations.

He also recognized the efforts made by the Ekiti State Government and security agencies, which include sending security personnel to the affected community and ongoing rescue operations.

Resolution

After discussions, the House condemned the attack and expressed sympathy to the families affected and to the people of Eda Oniyo.

They called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the State Security Services (SSS) and other security agencies to work together to rescue the abducted worshippers and catch those responsible for the attack.

The lawmakers also urged the federal government to improve security in Ekiti State and other vulnerable areas by boosting intelligence gathering, enhancing surveillance systems and creating quick-response teams.

As part of their resolutions, the House asked its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs and Army to connect with relevant security agencies. They should investigate what happened and suggest ways to prevent future incidents.

The House also requested the National Emergency Management Agency and other government organizations to support and assist families affected by the attack.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that the Eda Oniyo incident is part of a growing number of security issues in the South-west, where communities are facing more kidnappings, attacks on travelers, and crime in remote areas.

These criminal groups keep taking advantage of forest pathways that spread across several states, making cooperation between agencies and coordinated operations essential to tackle the threat.