Armed terrorists reportedly invaded a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others.

The attack was said to have occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday while members of the church were gathered for prayers.

Sources revealed that several worshippers fled into nearby bushes after the attackers stormed the prayer ground and opened fire.

Confirming the incident on Sunday in Ilorin, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said the attack was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village in Ekiti LGA.

According to the police commissioner, the congregation was holding a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye via Ekerin village on May 23, 2026, when armed hoodlums invaded the area, shot sporadically, killed three persons and abducted 15 others to an unknown location.

“Immediately the report was received, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekiti Division mobilised operatives to the scene.

“The Commissioner of Police has also ordered a full-scale tactical and intelligence-led operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets to ensure the victims are rescued,” Ojo stated.

The police commissioner described the attack as cruel, barbaric and unacceptable, assuring families of the victims that security agencies were fully committed to rescuing the abducted worshippers and bringing those behind the attack to justice.

The command further assured residents of Ekiti Local Government Area and other parts of the state that security operatives had intensified bush combing, surveillance and intelligence operations aimed at tracking down the attackers.

Ojo also appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful and timely information that could support ongoing rescue efforts and investigations.