Three worshippers have been shot dead by terrorists and 15 others abducted in Kwara State.
This followed a deadly attack by the terrorists at a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state on Saturday night.
The state police command confirmed the killing.
A statement on Sunday by spokesperson of the command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the gunmen stormed the prayer ground around 8pm while worshippers were holding a vigil.
The assailants opened fire sporadically, killing three people before whisking away 15 worshippers to an unknown destination.
“The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
“The incident was reported on May 24, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye 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 May 23, 2026, at about 2030hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination,” the statement read.
Ejire-Adeyemi said upon receiving the distress report, the divisional police officer of the Ekiti Division immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
She said the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has deployed 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.
According to her, the commissioner described the attack as barbaric, callous, and unacceptable, assuring prompt rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the “heinous act”.
The police assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire state that vigorous efforts, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations, are ongoing to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.
“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the statement added.
