Families of 15 Christian worshippers abducted during a church vigil attack in Kwara State have expressed growing fear and uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones, following weeks of silence from the kidnappers.
The victims were taken in late May during a violent attack on a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The assault, which was earlier confirmed by the Kwara State Police Command, also left three worshippers dead, while 15 others were forcefully taken away by the armed attackers.
Since the incident, relatives say there has been no communication from the abductors no ransom demand, no messages, and no indication of the victims’ condition.
The prolonged silence has intensified fears among families, with many now worried that the abducted worshippers may not have survived.
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A distraught family member, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said the uncertainty has become unbearable.
“We have not heard anything from them since that day. No call, no demand, nothing. Every day that passes increases our fear,” the relative said.
The families have also accused authorities of failing to provide clear and consistent updates on rescue efforts, saying they feel abandoned amid the ongoing crisis.
Repeated appeals for information, they claim, have not yielded any concrete response.
Security agencies in Kwara State had earlier stated that joint operations were launched immediately after the attack, involving tactical units, intelligence teams, and forest patrols aimed at tracking the kidnappers and rescuing the victims. However, no official breakthrough has been announced so far.
A community source described rising tension in affected villages, noting that the continued silence is deepening public anxiety and fear over the safety of those still missing.
The incident adds to growing concerns about insecurity in rural parts of Kwara State, where repeated attacks on worship centres and isolated communities have left residents increasingly vulnerable.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities have not confirmed any deaths among the abducted worshippers, maintaining that rescue operations are still ongoing.
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