Three Killed, 15 Abducted In Fresh Kwara Church Attack

The Kwara State Police Command has condemned the killing and abduction of worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

The command described the attack as gruesome and unacceptable, saying the assailants invaded a prayer ground during a night vigil and opened fire on worshippers before abducting several others.

The incident was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

According to the statement, the attack was reported on May 24, 2026, by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, in Ekiti LGA.

The pastor reportedly informed the police that the worshippers were holding a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin Village on May 23 at about 8:30 p.m. when armed hoodlums stormed the prayer ground, fired sporadically, killed three persons, and abducted 15 others to an unknown destination.

Following the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division was said to have immediately mobilised operatives to the scene, while the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, ordered a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation to rescue the victims.

The police said the rescue operation involves the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units, and other operational assets deployed for coordinated search and rescue efforts across the area.

The police commissioner described the attack as barbaric, callous, and inhuman, assuring residents that the command remained committed to rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those responsible. The command also urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible information to security agencies, adding that bush combing, intelligence gathering, and other coordinated operations were ongoing to track down the attackers.