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Three worshippers have been killed and 15 others abducted after suspected bandits attacked a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack reportedly happened on Saturday night while worshippers were holding a vigil at the remote prayer camp.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
According to the police, the attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. and was first reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, in Ekiti LGA.
The incident has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kwara State, particularly in rural communities that have recently witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups.
“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 Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State,” the statement read.
The police said the attackers stormed the prayer ground armed with weapons, shooting indiscriminately before killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others to an unknown location.
Following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division reportedly led a team of operatives to the scene in response to the attack.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, later directed the immediate launch of a full-scale tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, intelligence units, and other security assets aimed at rescuing the kidnapped victims and tracking down the attackers.
Describing the incident as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” the police commissioner assured families of the victims that the command was fully committed to securing the safe return of those abducted and ensuring those behind the attack face justice.
According to the command, security operatives have intensified ongoing efforts across the area, including bush combing operations, intelligence gathering, and coordinated surveillance.
Residents of Ekiti Local Government Area and surrounding communities were also urged to remain calm but vigilant, while providing useful information that could aid the rescue mission and ongoing investigations.
