Again, bandits disrupt prayers in Kwara, gun down worshippers

Suspected armed bandits have attacked a remote prayer ground in Kwara State, killing at least three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a night vigil in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

The attack occurred on Friday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the southern part of the state, throwing the quiet agrarian community into panic.

Sources familiar with the incident said the gunmen stormed the prayer gathering at about 8:30pm, shooting sporadically before whisking several worshippers into the bush.

Residents said the victims were participating in a night prayer session when the attackers invaded the secluded prayer camp, forcing worshippers to flee in different directions amid gunfire.

The identities of the deceased victims had yet to be officially released while efforts were ongoing to locate those abducted.

Local sources said fear had gripped surrounding villages following the incident, with many residents calling for stronger security presence and surveillance around isolated worship centres and farming settlements.

Security operatives were reportedly deployed to the area shortly after the attack, with search efforts extending into nearby 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.