Three persons were killed and 15 other worshippers
were abducted when gunmen suspected to be kidnappers invaded a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State in the earlier hours of Sunday.
The spokesman of the Nigeria police Command in the State, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the brutal attack in a statement on Sunday, said the incident was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA Kwara State.
He told police authorities that the armed men desecreted the sanctuary while they were conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin Village, on 23rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs.
He stated that the armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination.
Reacting to the fatal attack, the police spokesman, recalled, “Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, 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”, according to the police spokesman.
He explained that the Commissioner of Police describes the attack as barbaric, callous, and unacceptable, while 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.
Accordingly, “The Command wishes to assure 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”.
The statement advised members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.
