Gbenga Hashim has condemned the attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, where armed bandits killed a pastor and abducted at least 13 worshippers. The assault occurred at around 7:30 p.m. during a revival service, with seven attackers using sophisticated weapons and terrorising the congregation for approximately 40 minutes. Eyewitnesses reported widespread panic as residents fled, leaving the community largely deserted. Hashim expressed deep sorrow over the killing and abductions, offering condolences to the slain pastor's family, the church, and the people of Eda Oniyo. He stated, "My thoughts and prayers are with those abducted, and I stand in solidarity with their families at this painful time." Hashim raised concerns about delays in security response despite distress calls made during the attack, suggesting a faster reaction could have reduced the toll. He acknowledged ongoing search operations by security forces in nearby bushes but called for a more proactive, intelligence-based security approach. "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 said. He urged all levels of government to strengthen local security frameworks and improve rapid response systems.
Gbenga Hashim highlights a critical gap between distress calls and security arrival, exposing the vulnerability of rural communities despite existing deployments. The 40-minute duration of the attack in Eda Oniyo suggests response mechanisms failed when most needed. Thirteen worshippers remain in captivity, and their continued absence underscores the real cost of delayed intervention. For the people of Ilejemeje, the promise of safety rings hollow until response times match the scale of threat.
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