Gunmen kill three worshippers, abduct 15 at prayer ground in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three worshippers and the abduction of 15 others following an attack by armed assailants at a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis, throwing surrounding communities into panic.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many villagers spent the night searching for missing relatives after the attackers escaped through nearby forest routes.

According to the resident, people fled in different directions as gunshots rang out, and some families could not locate their loved ones until the following morning.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the state Commissioner of Police described the attack as gruesome and condemnable. He said the incident was reported by a pastor who was conducting a night vigil with members of his congregation when the gunmen struck.

The pastor reported that armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically. Three persons were confirmed dead, while 15 others were taken to an unknown destination.

Police operatives from the Ekiti Division were immediately mobilised to the scene after the distress call was received.

The Commissioner added that a coordinated tactical and intelligence-driven rescue operation has been launched, involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, and other units. Efforts include bush combing and intelligence gathering to track down the assailants and secure the release of the abducted victims.

He assured residents of the command’s commitment to restoring security in the affected communities and urged the public to remain calm and provide credible information to aid ongoing operations.

The attack is the latest in a series of assaults on worship centres in Kwara South. In November 2025, armed bandits attacked a church in Eruku, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 congregants, who were later rescued. In March 2026, another church in Ifelodun Local Government Area was attacked, with 11 worshippers abducted; three were later rescued, while eight remain in captivity.