Suspected armed bandits have attacked a remote prayer camp in Kwara State, killing no fewer than three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a night vigil in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The incident happened on Friday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, situated around Ikiran Village in the southern axis of the state, throwing the peaceful farming community into confusion and fear.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the attackers invaded the prayer gathering around 8:30pm, firing gunshots indiscriminately before taking several worshippers into the forest.
Residents said the victims were observing a night prayer programme when the assailants stormed the isolated prayer camp, forcing participants to scamper in different directions amid heavy gunfire.
The identities of those killed had yet to be officially confirmed as efforts continued to trace the whereabouts of the abducted worshippers.
Community sources said tension had spread across neighbouring villages following the attack, with residents demanding improved security presence and monitoring around remote worship centres and farming communities.
Security personnel were said to have arrived in the area shortly after the incident, while search operations extended into adjoining forests.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Kwara State Police Command said the attack was reported by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, had deployed tactical and intelligence teams, including the Police Drone Unit, PMF personnel and other operatives, for a coordinated rescue mission.
The police described the attack as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
