Gunmen suspected to be bandits invaded a prayer ground in Kwara State on Saturday night, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a night vigil in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The attack occurred at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village, where members of a religious group had gathered for prayers when the armed men stormed the area at about 8:30 p.m.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Kwara State Police Command described the attack as gruesome and condemned the killing and abduction of the worshippers.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the incident was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, in Ekiti LGA.
According to the police, the attackers invaded the prayer ground and opened fire sporadically, causing panic among worshippers before abducting 15 persons to an unknown destination.
Three people were confirmed dead during the assault.
Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division reportedly mobilised security operatives to the scene to begin rescue efforts and track down the attackers.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ojo Adekimi, subsequently directed a full-scale tactical and intelligence-led operation involving the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other operational teams.
The police commissioner described the incident as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” assuring residents and families of the victims that security agencies were working tirelessly to rescue those abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The command added that coordinated security operations, intelligence gathering and bush-combing exercises had been intensified across the affected area and surrounding communities.
Residents of Ekiti Local Government Area and other parts of the state were urged to remain calm but vigilant, while also providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue operations.
