Three people have been killed and 15 worshippers abducted following an armed attack on the Ori-Oke Ajaiye prayer ground in Ikiran, Ekiti LGA of Kwara state.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson of the Kwara police command, the attackers invaded the prayer ground at about 8pm while worshippers were holding a night vigil.
The police said the gunmen opened fire on the worshippers, killing three people on the spot before abducting 15 others to an unknown location.
“The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State,” the statement reads.
“The incident was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye 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.”
Ejire-Adeyemi added that the divisional police officer of the Ekiti division immediately mobilised officers to the scene after receiving the distress call.
She further stated that the commissioner of police, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a coordinated rescue operation involving tactical units, intelligence teams, PMF personnel, and drone support to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.
According to her, the commissioner described the incident as barbaric and unacceptable, assuring that efforts are underway to secure the release of the abducted worshippers and apprehend those responsible for the “heinous act”.
The police also urged residents of Ekiti LGA and the wider state to remain calm, vigilant, and provide useful information that could assist ongoing operations.
“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”
The attack adds to growing security concerns in the south-west, following recent abductions and killings in parts of Oyo state.
On May 16, gunmen on motorcycles invaded communities along the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire, Ogbomoso, abducting students and staff of several schools.
During that attack, an assistant headmaster identified as Joel Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist were killed, triggering nationwide outrage.
Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that seven teachers were among those abducted, adding that one of them died in captivity.