By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has called for a stronger security presence in Ekiti State and other vulnerable communities following a deadly attack on worshippers during a church crusade that left a pastor dead and several congregants abducted.
Lawmakers also urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to intensify joint operations aimed at securing the immediate release of the victims and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice. 
The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo during plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, Akinlayo expressed concern over the attack which reportedly occurred on April 28, 2026, in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, where armed men allegedly stormed a church during an open-air crusade.
According to the lawmaker, the attackers, said to be heavily armed and operating in large numbers, opened fire on worshippers, killing a pastor and abducting several members of the congregation, including elderly persons and children.
He stated that the assailants reportedly operated unhindered for several minutes before escaping into nearby forests with their captives, leaving the community gripped by fear and uncertainty.
Akinlayo said the incident exposed continuing security gaps in rural communities and places of worship, warning that criminal groups were becoming increasingly daring in their operations.
He argued that such attacks not only threaten lives and property but also undermine citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of worship and weaken public confidence in the country’s security system.
The lawmaker, however, acknowledged the swift deployment of security personnel by the Ekiti State Government and relevant security agencies, as well as ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted worshippers and apprehend those behind the attack.
He also extended condolences to the family of the slain pastor and other victims affected by the incident.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and rapid-response mechanisms in Ekiti State and other areas facing similar security threats.
Lawmakers further directed the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant agencies to provide immediate relief and support to affected families and members of the community.
In a solemn moment, members observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased pastor.
The House also mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs and Army to engage relevant security agencies, investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and recommend measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
