Armed bandits at the weekend abducted 15 persons and killed three others during an attack on worshippers at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
- +Bandits abduct 15, kill 3 in fresh Kwara attack
The gruesome incident occurred while the worshippers were observing a night vigil around 8:30 p.m, Saturday.
The gruesome incident occurred while the worshippers were observing a night vigil around 8:30 p.m, Saturday.
The attackers were said to have stormed the worship centre and opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic among the worshippers before whisking away several victims to an unknown destination.
Security operatives and local vigilantes were reportedly mobilised to the area shortly after the attack, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command has directed comprehensive surveillance across vulnerable communities to forestall further attacks and strengthen security in the area.
The state police command in a statement on Sunday issued by Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, the command PPRO strongly condemned the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by the armed criminals.
According to the spokesperson, “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.”
Ojo Adekimi, the state Commissioner of Police, 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 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.
