Reps call for action to rescue kidnapped Ekiti church members and boost 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 events in vulnerable areas.

This resolution came after a motion of urgent public importance was discussed in Wednesday’s session. The motion was brought by Kolawole Akinlayo, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency.

The lawmakers acted a month after armed attackers invaded a Christ Apostolic Church crusade at Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area. During this attack, they killed the pastor and kidnapped 16 worshippers.

Mr. Akinlayo shared details about the attack, saying it happened on April 28. Gunmen burst into an open-air church event and opened fire on the worshippers.

He explained that the attackers had sophisticated weapons and came in large numbers. They carried out the attack for several minutes before escaping into nearby forests with their victims.

“The attackers killed a pastor and abducted several congregants, including women, elderly persons and children,” he said.

The lawmaker also said that the kidnappers first asked for a ransom of N1 billion, then reduced it to N50 million. Even though the community raised and paid N10.5 million, the victims are still not free.

Mr. Akinlayo pointed out that this incident shows the worsening security situation in rural areas and places of worship across Nigeria. He warned that such attacks make people lose trust in the country's security system.

He argued that besides the loss of lives, the attack violated Nigerians' constitutional right to worship freely and safely.

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

He also recognized what the Ekiti State Government and security agencies have done so far. This includes sending security personnel to the affected area and ongoing rescue efforts.

Resolution

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

They then called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the State Security Services (SSS), and other security agencies to increase their efforts. They aim to rescue the kidnapped worshippers and catch those behind the attack.

The lawmakers also urged the federal government to improve security in Ekiti State and other at-risk communities. They want better intelligence gathering, improved surveillance systems, and quick response actions.

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

The House also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and other government bodies to help and provide support to families impacted by the attack.

PREMIUM TIMES knows that the Eda Oniyo incident is one of many security problems occurring in the South-west. Communities are facing more kidnappings, attacks on travelers, and crimes in remote areas.

These criminal groups take advantage of forest paths across several states. This makes it essential for agencies to work together and coordinate their efforts to tackle the threat.