Panic and grief swept through parts of Kwara State after armed assailants attacked a night vigil prayer gathering in Ekiti Local Government Area, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others.
The deadly attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday at Ori-Oke Ijaye, near Ekerin Village, where members of a church congregation had gathered for overnight prayers.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, describing the assault as “gruesome, barbaric, and unacceptable.”
According to police authorities, the attackers stormed the prayer ground during the vigil, opened fire sporadically on worshippers, and forcefully whisked several victims away to an unknown destination.
The incident was formally reported to the police by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who was leading the prayer session at the time of the attack.
“Armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others,” the police statement said.
Police operatives attached to the Ekiti Division were immediately deployed to the scene following a distress call.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, subsequently ordered a large-scale rescue and manhunt operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, intelligence operatives, and other security units.
Security agencies have since launched coordinated operations across nearby forests and surrounding communities in search of the abducted worshippers and the fleeing attackers.
The police commissioner condemned the attack in strong terms, assuring families of the victims that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of those kidnapped and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The attack is barbaric, callous, and unacceptable,” the Commissioner stated, pledging the Command’s commitment to rescuing the victims and apprehending those responsible.
Residents of Ekiti Local Government Area have been urged to remain calm but vigilant as security operatives intensify bush-combing and intelligence-gathering operations across the region.
The Police Command also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.
Authorities say further updates will be communicated as investigations continue.