Three people were killed and 15 worshippers abducted when terrorists attacked a church night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Kwara State’s Ekiti Local Government Area.
The attack happened around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday as worshippers gathered for prayers, throwing the community into panic.
Residents said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, targeting worshippers and other villagers before escaping through nearby forests. A local resident, who asked not to be named, said many families spent the night searching for loved ones after the attackers fled.
He said, “People were running in different directions because of the gunshots. Some families could not even find their relatives until this morning.”
Confirming the incident on Sunday, Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, condemned the killings and abductions.
According to her, “The incident was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye 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 23rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.”
The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a major tactical and intelligence-led operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, intelligence units and other security assets to rescue the victims.
Police described the attack as barbaric and unacceptable, assuring affected families that efforts are ongoing to rescue those abducted and arrest those responsible. The command also urged residents to stay calm, remain vigilant and provide useful information to support the operation.
