Worshippers in parts of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State ended church services abruptly on Sunday following reports of suspected bandits sighted around farm settlements in Ipere Ekiti, creating tension across several communities.
The development comes barely three weeks after gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Number Two, in Eda-Oniyo Ekiti, where a pastor was killed and sixteen worshippers abducted, an attack that has continued to heighten fears among residents in the area.
Fresh panic reportedly started after rumours spread that some suspected armed men, said to be dressed in military uniforms, were chasing farmers away from their farmlands around Ipere Ekiti and neighbouring communities.
Residents said the development caused confusion in many towns and villages within the council area as worshippers and families hurried home over fears of possible attacks. Some community members also claimed the suspected men were seen around forest boundaries linking Orin Ekiti, Ayede Ekiti and Itaji-Oye Ekiti.
Following the reports, security operatives including personnel of the Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, the Nigerian Army and the Police were deployed to the affected areas to verify the situation and comb the forests for any sign of criminal activity.
Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Mr. Pius Alaba Dada, who confirmed the development, however dismissed reports of any attack, saying no life was lost and no bandit activity was recorded in the area. He explained that security personnel responded swiftly after receiving information about the suspected movement of armed men.
Mr. Dada added that although some farmers hurried home out of fear after raising alarm over suspected bandits around the Ayede, Itaji-Oye and Ifaki-Ipere Ekiti axis, security operatives found nothing during their search. He appealed to residents to remain calm and continue to report any suspicious movement to security agencies for prompt action.