Panic and grief have engulfed residents of Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State following the killing of three worshippers and the abduction of 15 others during a night vigil at a prayer ground in the area.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti LGA, when armed hoodlums reportedly stormed the prayer ground and opened fire on worshippers.
According to the Kwara State Police Command, the attack was reported on Saturday, May 24, 2026, by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village. The cleric told police that the assailants invaded the prayer ground around 8:30 p.m. during an ongoing vigil and began shooting sporadically.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command and made available to Factual Naija News, police confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack, while 15 others were abducted and taken to an unknown destination by the gunmen.
Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division reportedly mobilised operatives to the scene, while the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, ordered an intensive rescue operation.
The police said the operation involves tactical teams, including the Police Drone Unit, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence operatives, and other security assets aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
Describing the attack as “barbaric, callous, and unacceptable,” the Commissioner of Police assured families of the victims that the command remains committed to securing the release of the abducted worshippers and bringing those responsible to justice.
The Command also assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the state at large that security operatives have intensified bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations across the area.
Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.
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