By David Lawani
Armed bandits on Saturday night invaded a remote prayer ground in Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others in what security authorities described as a “barbaric” assault on innocent civilians.
The attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, a secluded prayer camp on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area, where worshippers had gathered for an overnight vigil.
The incident underscores growing fears over the spread of violent attacks into parts of Kwara once considered relatively insulated from the wave of kidnappings and armed raids ravaging Nigeria’s North Central region.
In recent months, criminal gangs operating from forest corridors linking Kwara, Niger and Kogi states have intensified attacks on rural communities, highways and religious gatherings, raising concerns over shrinking security coverage in isolated settlements.
Confirming the attack on Sunday, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, reported the assault.
“The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals,” the statement said.
Police said the gunmen stormed the prayer ground, fired sporadically at worshippers and killed three persons before whisking away 15 others to an unknown destination.
The identities of the deceased victims had yet to be officially released as of Sunday evening.
Following the distress alert, operatives from the Ekiti Division reportedly moved to the area, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, ordered what the command described as a “comprehensive tactical and intelligence-led operation” involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel and intelligence units.
Describing the attack as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” the police commissioner assured residents that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the attackers.
Security operatives have since commenced bush-combing operations and intelligence surveillance across surrounding communities amid fears that the abductors may attempt to move victims through forest routes connecting neighbouring states.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support ongoing rescue efforts.
