By Ghazali Ibrahim
Three worshippers have been killed and 15 others abducted following an attack by suspected bandits on a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran village, while worshippers were holding a vigil service.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
According to the statement, the attack was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who said armed men stormed the prayer ground at about 8:30 p.m., opened fire on worshippers and whisked away several others to an unknown destination.
“The incident was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State, who stated that while conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin Village on 23rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination,” the statement read.
Police said operatives from the Ekiti Division were immediately deployed to the area after receiving the distress call.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a coordinated rescue operation involving the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other security assets.
Describing the attack as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” Adekimi assured families of the victims that efforts were underway to secure the release of those abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The police said ongoing operations include bush-combing exercises, intelligence gathering and other tactical measures aimed at tracking the attackers.
Residents were urged to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in the rescue mission and investigation.
