Bandits killed three persons and abducted 15 others on Saturday in an attack on worshippers at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, in the outskirts of Ikiran village of Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack occurred while the worshippers were observing night vigil at about 20:30 pm.
The Kwara State Police Command, in a statement released on Sunday by spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, confirmed the incident.
“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.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
“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 statement said.
The commissioner of police 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 abductees and apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act.
The command 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.
