Gunmen stormed Elyon Paradise Ministry in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, during a Friday night vigil, shooting the pastor and kidnapping six worshippers in a violent attack that has left the community reeling.

The assailants struck around 10 p.m. near Delta State Polytechnic, leaving Divine Omodia with gunshot wounds. He is currently hospitalized after being shot in the lap and losing two fingers.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about security in places of worship, with residents urging authorities to take swift action to rescue the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Faith Omodia, the wife of the injured cleric, described the harrowing incident, recalling how gunfire erupted inside the church.

“I was lying down with my baby in the church hall when I heard gunshots. Suddenly, bullets started flying into the auditorium,” she recounted.

The attackers fired indiscriminately before rounding up worshippers and dragging six of them away, including two security guards. The kidnapped victims have been identified as Helen Onwuamaeze, Ariyo Emmanuel, Chike Okolo, and Blessing Waye, along with the two unnamed guards.

Despite the gravity of the attack, the Delta State Police Command has yet to confirm the incident. Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe stated, “No report has been made at any police station regarding this attack.”

Residents are calling for urgent intervention to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims and prevent further attacks on religious centers.