Gunmen murder three, kidnap 15 churchgoers during overnight prayer service in Kwara

A devastating attack by terrorists occurred during a Saturday night vigil at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara state, resulting in the deaths of three people and the abduction of 15 worshippers.

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The attack happened at approximately 20:30 hours, sparking widespread panic among nearby communities as the terrorists stormed the area, targeting worshippers and residents before fleeing through nearby forest routes.

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Local sources revealed that the community was invaded by a large group of armed terrorists, leading to a frantic search for missing relatives and loved ones by many villagers, who spent the night scouring the area.

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A local resident, who chose to remain anonymous, described the chaos, saying, "People were running in different directions because of the gunshots, and some families couldn't even find their relatives until the next morning."

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SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, the spokesperson for the state police command, strongly condemned the attack, confirming that it occurred on May 23, 2026, at about 20:30 hours, when armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, killing three people and abducting 15 others.

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Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA Kwara State, reported the incident on May 24, 2026, prompting the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, to mobilize operatives to the scene.

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The state Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has launched a comprehensive operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

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Commissioner Adekimi described the attack as "barbaric, callous, and unacceptable," assuring the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims that the command is committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

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The police command has assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire state that efforts are underway, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations, to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.

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The command has urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the terrorists.