By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja
The House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to strengthen security operations in Ekiti State and other vulnerable communities following a deadly attack on a church in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, which left a pastor dead and several worshippers abducted.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Kolawole Akinlayo during plenary.
Lawmakers urged enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid-response measures to curb rising insecurity and protect rural communities across the country.
They also called on the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify joint operations to secure the release of the abducted victims and ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
Moving the motion, Akinlayo said the attack occurred on April 28, 2026, in Eda Oniyo, where armed gunmen reportedly stormed a church during an open-air crusade.
He said the attackers opened fire on worshippers, killing a pastor and abducting several congregants, including women, children and the elderly.
According to him, the assailants operated for several minutes before fleeing into nearby forests with their victims, leaving the community in panic.
Akinlayo said the incident exposed persistent security gaps in rural areas and places of worship, warning that such attacks threaten lives, property and constitutional freedoms.
He noted that the growing audacity of armed groups undermines citizens’ right to worship freely and weakens public confidence in the country’s security system.
The lawmaker, however, acknowledged the prompt response of security agencies and ongoing efforts by the Ekiti State Government to rescue the victims.
The House sympathised with the families of the victims, particularly the relatives of the slain pastor, and the affected community.
It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant bodies to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to victims.
In addition, the House mandated its Committees on National Security, Police Affairs and Army to investigate the incident and recommend measures to prevent future attacks.
