Bandits Kill Three Worshippers, Abduct 15 During Vigil In Kwara State

Armed bandits on Saturday night attacked a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a night vigil.

The incident occurred in Ekiti Local Government Area at about 8:30 p.m. while members of the church were gathered for prayers.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

According to the police, the incident was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA.

“The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State,” the statement read.

The police explained that the attackers stormed the prayer ground, opened fire sporadically and killed three persons before whisking away 15 worshippers to an unknown location.

Following the attack, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division reportedly deployed security operatives to the scene.

The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, later ordered an extensive tactical and intelligence-led operation involving the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other security operatives to rescue the victims and track down the attackers.

Describing the incident as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” the police commissioner assured residents and affected families that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted worshippers and bring those behind the attack to justice.

The command added that coordinated security operations, bush combing and intelligence gathering had been intensified across the affected area.

Residents of Ekiti Local Government Area and surrounding communities were also urged to remain calm, vigilant and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in the ongoing rescue mission.