Members of the House of Representatives during Wednesday plenary condemned in strong terms the activities of armed assailants who killed a pastor and abducted several worshippers during an open crusade in Ekiti State.

Piqued by the ugly incident, the House called on the federal government to strengthen security presence in Ekiti State and other vulnerable communities through enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms;

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by a member representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency II (Moba/llejemeje/Ido-Osi), Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, who solicited the House’s intervention.

While leading the debate, Hon. Akinlayo explained that the suspected armed assailants invaded a church during an open-air crusade on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

According to him, the attackers, who invaded the area “in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, opened fire on defenseless worshippers, killing a pastor and abducting several congregants, including elderly persons and children.

“The House further notes that the assailants operated for several minutes unchallenged before retreating into nearby forests with their victims, deepening fear and anguish within the community.

“The House is concerned that this tragic incident highlights persistent security vulnerabilities in rural communities and places of worship and the growing boldness of criminal elements.

“The House is worried that such attacks not only endanger lives and property but violate citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of worship and erode confidence in the nation’s security architecture,” he lamented.

He, however, acknowledged the swift deployment of security operatives by the Ekiti State Government and relevant agencies and ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

While stressing the need to commiserate with the family of the slain pastor and all affected victims, the House urged the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces of Nigeria, Department of State Services, and other security agencies to intensify coordinated operations to secure the immediate rescue of the abducted victims and ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.

To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs, and Army to interface with relevant agencies to assess the circumstances of the attack and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.

The House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and relevant bodies to provide immediate relief and support to affected families and the community.

After the adoption of the motion, the lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased. (TRIBUNE)

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