Gunmen have killed three worshippers and abducted 15 others after attacking a prayer ground in Ikiran, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack occurred on Saturday night at the Ori-Oke Ajaiye prayer ground while members of a church congregation were holding a vigil.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the attackers invaded the area at about 8pm and opened fire on worshippers before taking several people away.
“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 the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State,” the statement reads.
“The incident was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye 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.”
Ejire-Adeyemi said the divisional police officer in Ekiti division mobilised officers to the scene immediately after receiving the distress report.
She also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, had ordered a large-scale rescue operation involving tactical teams, intelligence officers, police mobile force personnel and the police drone unit.
According to the statement, the commissioner described the attack as barbaric and unacceptable. He also assured residents that security operatives would work to rescue the abducted victims and arrest those responsible for the assault.
The police said security agencies had intensified bush combing operations and intelligence gathering efforts across the area as part of the search for the attackers.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations,” the statement added.
“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”
The incident has added to growing security concerns in parts of the South-West following recent attacks in neighbouring Oyo State.
Earlier this month, gunmen riding motorcycles attacked communities within the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota areas of Ogbomoso in Oyo State. Several students and school workers were abducted during the incident.
The attackers also killed a school administrator identified as Joel Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist.
Governor Seyi Makinde later disclosed that seven teachers were among those kidnapped and confirmed that one of the victims died while in captivity.
