Three killed, 15 worshippers abducted during service

News Update

Gunmen on Saturday night reportedly killed three persons and abducted 15 worshippers during a night vigil on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

It was gathered that the victims were abducted at about 10:30 pm during a vigil held at a worship centre located at Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA.

It was further gathered that the armed hoodlums stormed the prayer ground, shooting sporadically, killing three worshippers and whisking away 15 others to an unknown destination.

The incident was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, who said tactical teams had been deployed for a rescue operation.

The Kwara State Police Command, while condemning the attack, described it as a gruesome act against innocent worshippers and confirmed that investigations and rescue efforts were ongoing.

According to a statement, the incident was reported on May 24, 2026, by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA, who said armed men invaded the vigil at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village on May 23, 2026, at about 8:30 pm, killing three persons and abducting fifteen others.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene,” the statement said.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, directed a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets for a coordinated rescue mission.

“The Commissioner of Police described the attack as barbaric, callous, and unacceptable, assuring the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims that the Command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act.

“The Command wishes to assure residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire State that vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”