Panic swept across communities in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Sunday as many churches abruptly ended their worship services following reports of suspected bandits sighted around farm settlements in Ipere Ekiti.
The development comes barely three weeks after armed bandits attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Number Two, in Eda-Oniyo Ekiti, where a pastor was killed and sixteen worshippers abducted, leaving residents of the area in deep fear and uncertainty.
Reports of another group of suspected bandits, allegedly dressed in military uniforms, chasing farmers from their farms in Ipere Ekiti triggered fresh tension across the seven towns and villages in the council area.
Residents said the rumours created widespread panic as families and worshippers hurried home over fears of possible attacks.
Community sources disclosed that the suspected armed men were reportedly seen around the forest boundaries linking Orin Ekiti, Ayede Ekiti and Itaji-Oye Ekiti.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, the Nigerian Army and the Police, were said to have been mobilised to comb the affected areas and verify the reports.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Mr. Pius Alaba Dada, dismissed reports of any bandits attack, stressing that security operatives deployed to the bush areas did not find any trace of armed men or evidence supporting the claims.
He, however, noted that some farmers hurriedly returned home after reports emerged that suspected bandits were operating around the boundaries between Ayede, Itaji-Oye and Ifaki-Ipere communities.
Mr. Dada assured residents that security agencies were fully on top of the situation and urged members of the public not to panic.
He also appealed to people in the area to promptly report any suspicious movement or strange activities to security operatives to prevent any possible security breach.
