A tragic attack by armed assailants has left three worshippers dead and 15 others abducted in Kwara State, plunging residents into fear and uncertainty.
The incident occurred late Saturday night at a prayer ground in Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti Local Government Area.
Worshippers had gathered for a night vigil when gunmen stormed the area, firing sporadically and causing chaos.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers arrived in large numbers, targeting both worshippers and nearby residents before escaping through surrounding forest routes.
Panic spread quickly, forcing villagers to flee in different directions as gunshots rang out.
A local resident, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns, described the scene as terrifying.
According to him, many families spent the entire night searching for missing loved ones amid confusion and fear.
Confirming the attack, the Kwara State Police Command condemned the incident, describing it as “gruesome and barbaric.”
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The Commissioner of Police disclosed that the assault was reported by a cleric who was leading the vigil at the time of the invasion.
Police authorities confirmed that three people lost their lives, while 15 others were forcibly taken to an unknown destination.
Security operatives were immediately deployed to the scene following a distress call.
The police have since launched a coordinated rescue operation involving tactical units, intelligence teams, and advanced surveillance resources, including drone technology.
Authorities assured residents that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the abducted victims, as well as apprehend those responsible.
Intensified bush combing and intelligence gathering operations are currently underway across the affected area.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
This latest attack adds to a growing pattern of violence targeting worship centres in Kwara State, raising fresh concerns about security in rural communities.
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