Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur, Gbenga Hashim, has condemned the deadly attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) No. 2 in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, describing the incident as shocking and deeply disturbing.
Armed bandits, reportedly about seven in number, stormed a revival gathering at around 7:30 p.m., opened fire with sophisticated weapons, killed the guest pastor, and abducted at least 13 worshippers.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the lasted close to 40 minutes, throwing the community into panic as residents fled for safety, leaving the area largely deserted.
Reacting to the incident, Hashim expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and the abduction of innocent worshippers. He extended condolences to the family of the slain pastor, the church, and residents of Eda Oniyo and neighbouring communities.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those abducted, and I stand in solidarity with their families at this painful time,” he said.
Hashim also raised concerns over the reported delay in security response despite distress calls made during the attack, noting that prompt intervention could have reduced the scale of the tragedy.
While acknowledging ongoing search operations by security personnel combing nearby forests, he stressed the need for a more proactive, intelligence-driven security framework.
“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 added.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted victims and ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
Hashim further urged governments at all levels to strengthen grassroots security systems, improve rapid response capabilities, and restore public confidence in the protection of lives and property.
The attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in rural parts of Ekiti State, with residents of Eda Oniyo still living in fear as search efforts continue.
