Terrorists have killed three persons and abducted 15 others on Saturday in an attack on worshippers at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, in the outskirts of Ikiran village of Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack was said to have happened while the worshippers were observing night vigil around 20:30 pm.
The Kwara State Police Command, in a statement released on Sunday by spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, confirmed the incident.
“The incident was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA Kwara State, who stated that while conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, on 23rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
“The state Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has 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 statement said.
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 abductees and apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act.
The latest incident comes amid worrying attacks on worship centres in Kwara South.
In November 2025, terrorists attacked the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 congregants before the victims were later rescued after a security operation.
Also in March 2026, another ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun LGA was attacked, with eleven worshippers abducted before a joint security response led to the rescue of three victims, while the other eight remain in captivity till date.
Recall that as at press time, terrorists are still holding several school pupils they abducted recently from two schools in Oyo Stae. A headmaster in our of the schools was beheaded by the terrorists.