Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers during a violent attack on Christ Apostolic Church No. 2 in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The incident reportedly occurred during a revival programme when suspected bandits stormed the church, opened fire with sophisticated weapons, killed a guest pastor, and abducted at least 13 worshippers.
Eyewitnesses said the attack, which lasted about 40 minutes, threw the community into panic as residents fled for safety.
In a statement on Friday, Olawepo-Hashim described the incident as shocking and deeply disturbing, expressing condolences to the families of victims and solidarity with those affected.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those abducted, and I stand in solidarity with their families at this painful time,” he said.
He also sympathised with the church and residents of Eda Oniyo and neighbouring communities, describing the attack as a painful reminder of worsening insecurity in rural areas.
Olawepo-Hashim raised concerns over the reported delay in security response during the attack, noting that a faster intervention could have reduced its impact.
While acknowledging ongoing search-and-rescue operations by security agencies in surrounding forests, he called for a more proactive and intelligence-driven security approach.
He stressed that places of worship should remain safe spaces, warning that continued attacks on communities and religious centres were unacceptable.
The former presidential candidate urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
He also called on governments at all levels to strengthen local security systems, improve rapid response capabilities, and restore public confidence in safety measures.
The attack has added to growing concerns over insecurity in rural communities across parts of Nigeria, with recent incidents prompting renewed calls for stronger surveillance and faster security response mechanisms.
