Armed gunmen on Saturday night attacked a church night vigil in Kwara State’s Ekiti Local Government Area, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others in an assault that sent shockwaves through surrounding communities.
The attack took place at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village, where members of a congregation had gathered for a night vigil. At approximately 8:30 p.m., the armed assailants invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically before abducting 15 worshippers to an unknown destination.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi. According to the statement, the attack was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village.
A local resident who spoke on condition of anonymity described scenes of panic and confusion as the shooting began. “People were running in different directions because of the gunshots,” the resident said. Many villagers spent the night searching for missing relatives and loved ones after the assailants escaped through nearby forest routes.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, directed a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets for a coordinated rescue mission. He 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.
The police spokesperson assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire Kwara State that vigorous efforts were ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants. “Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations,” she said.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, three jihadi groups are understood to currently operate in Kwara State alongside bandits. Kwara South, where the incident occurred, is more frequently affected by banditry, unlike Kwara North where insurgents have established strongholds.
The incident comes amid rising security concerns in the South-West region, following recent attacks in parts of Oyo State. On May 16, gunmen riding motorcycles invaded communities in Oriire, Ogbomoso, abducting students and staff members of Community High School.
The attack on worshippers at a place of prayer has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for the government to urgently address the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s rural communities.
