Gunmen Kill 3 Worshippers, Abduct 15 During Night Vigil In Kwara

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Armed men reportedly attacked worshippers during a night vigil at a prayer ground in Ori-Oke Ajaiye, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three persons and abducting 15 others.

The incident was confirmed by the Kwara State Police Command in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Sunday.

According to the police, the attack happened around 8:30 p.m. while worshippers were gathered for prayers. The assailants allegedly stormed the prayer ground, opened fire sporadically, killed three people and whisked several others away to an unknown location.

The report was said to have been made by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village.

Following the attack, security operatives were deployed to the area, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, ordered a tactical and intelligence-led operation involving the police drone team, PMF personnel and other units to rescue the abducted victims and arrest those responsible.

The police commissioner condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable, while assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the kidnapped worshippers.