Panic swept through a remote prayer ground in Kwara State after bandits attacked worshippers during a night vigil, killing three people and abducting 15 others.
The gunmen reportedly stormed Ori-Oke Ajaiye, a secluded worship centre near Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area, around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday while members of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala were praying.
According to the Kwara State Police Command, the attackers opened fire on the congregation before whisking several worshippers away to an unknown destination.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the incident was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun, prompting immediate deployment of officers from the Ekiti Division.
Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, described the attack as “barbaric and unacceptable,” assuring residents that security operatives are intensifying efforts to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The command said tactical teams, intelligence operatives, the Police Mobile Force, and the drone unit have launched coordinated bush-combing and rescue operations across surrounding communities.
Residents were urged to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation and rescue mission.
