Three Worshippers Killed, 15 Abducted in Fresh Attack on Kwara Community

Three people have been killed and 15 others abducted after armed men attacked worshippers during a night vigil in a community in Kwara State.

The attack occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area, while worshippers were gathered for a vigil at about 8:30 pm.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released 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 hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, opened fire, killed three worshippers and abducted 15 others.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene,” the statement said.

The police said the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale tactical and intelligence-driven operation to rescue the victims and track down the attackers.

The operation involves the deployment of police drone units, mobile police personnel, intelligence teams and other tactical assets to comb surrounding forests and possible escape routes.

Authorities described the attack as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims and the arrest of those responsible.

Security agencies also urged members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to provide useful information that could assist ongoing rescue operations.

The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly targeted rural communities, worship centres and highways in recent months.