Former presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers during an attack on Christ Apostolic Church No. 2 in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Suspected bandits, reportedly about seven in number, stormed a revival programme around 7:30 p.m., opened fire, killed the guest pastor, and abducted at least 13 worshippers.

Eyewitnesses said the attack lasted about 40 minutes, forcing residents to flee as panic spread across the community.

In a statement issued on Friday, Olawepo-Hashim described the incident as shocking and deeply disturbing, expressing sympathy with the families of the victims and those abducted.

He also raised concerns over the reported delay in security response despite distress calls during the attack, noting that a quicker intervention might have reduced the damage.

While acknowledging ongoing rescue efforts by security operatives, he called for a more proactive and intelligence-driven approach to addressing insecurity.

Olawepo-Hashim urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He also called on governments at all levels to strengthen local security systems, improve rapid-response mechanisms, and restore public confidence in the protection of lives and property.

The incident has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in rural communities, particularly in parts of the South-West, where attacks on communities and places of worship have continued.