Three Killed, Fifteen Worshippers Abducted During Night Vigil at Kwara Church

By Demola Akinyemi

Terrorists killed three people and abducted fifteen worshippers during a church night vigil in Ori‑Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The attack took place at about 20:30 hours on Saturday, creating chaos in the surrounding communities.

Witnesses reported that armed assailants stormed the area in large numbers, attacking worshippers and residents before fleeing through nearby forest routes.

A local villager, who asked to remain unnamed, said that many villagers spent the night searching for missing relatives and loved ones after the attackers escaped.

He added, “People were running in different directions because of the gunshots. Some families could not even find their relatives until this morning.”

On Sunday, the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, strongly condemned the attack, the killings, and the abduction of innocent worshippers by the armed criminals.

According to the spokesperson, “The incident was reported on 24th May 2026 by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA Kwara State. He stated that while conducting a night vigil with members of his congregation at Ori‑Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village on 23rd May 2026 at about 20:30 hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination.”

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

The state Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has directed a comprehensive tactical and intelligence‑driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets for a coordinated rescue mission.

The Commissioner described the attack as barbaric, callous, and unacceptable, assuring the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims that the command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act.

The command also assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire state that vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.

It further urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.

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