Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has condemned the killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers during an attack on a church in Ekiti State.
Gunmen, suspected to be bandits, attacked Christ Apostolic Church No. 2 in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, at about 7:30 p.m. during a revival service. Witnesses said the assailants, numbering about seven, opened fire with sophisticated weapons, killing a guest pastor and abducting at least 13 worshippers.
Residents said the हमला lasted about 40 minutes, forcing people to flee as panic spread through the community.
In a statement released Friday, Olawepo-Hashim described the attack as “shocking and deeply disturbing,” expressing grief over the killing and abductions.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those abducted, and I stand in solidarity with their families at this painful time,” he said.
He also extended condolences to the family of the slain pastor, the church and residents of Eda Oniyo and nearby communities.
Olawepo-Hashim raised concerns over what he described as a delayed security response despite distress calls during the attack, saying quicker intervention could have reduced the impact.
While acknowledging ongoing search-and-rescue operations by security personnel in nearby forests, he called for a more proactive and intelligence-driven approach to addressing insecurity.
“Our communities cannot continue to live at the mercy of criminal elements. Places of worship must remain sanctuaries of peace, not theaters of violence,” he said.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
He also called on governments at all levels to strengthen local security frameworks, improve rapid response mechanisms and rebuild public confidence in the protection of lives and property.
The attack has heightened concerns about rising insecurity in rural communities, particularly in parts of southern and northern Nigeria, where kidnappings and violent attacks have persisted.
Residents of Eda Oniyo remained on edge as security operatives continued searching nearby bushes for the abducted worshippers.
