At least three worshippers have been killed and 15 others abducted after suspected bandits attacked a prayer ground, Ori-Oke Ajaiye in Ikiran Village, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The Kwara State police command spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, said the attack occurred on Saturday night. 

“The incident was reported on 24^th May, 2026, by  Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA Kwara State, who stated that while conducting a vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, on 23^rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting 15 others to an unknown destination,” Ms Ejire-Adeyemi stated.

The command said operatives were mobilised to the scene upon receiving the distress report.

The commissioner of police, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the attack as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable”, adding that a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation had been coordinated to rescue victims.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, 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,” he added.

The command assured the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims of its commitment to rescue all the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

It also urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.