JUST-IN: Bandits Kill 3 Worshippers, Abduct 15 In Kwara Church

Armed bandits, on Saturday, attacked Ekerin village in Ekiti local government area of Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others from a church.

The bandits carried out the operation at about 10.30pm at a place where worshippers were observing night vigil.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the bandits shot into the air sporadically to scare people away before making their way into Ori-Oke Ajaiye where the worshippers were observing the night vigil.

The State Police Command, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Sunday, confirmed the killing of three worshippers and the abduction of 15 others by the bandits.

The statement read: “The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran village in the Ekiti local government area of Kwara State.

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

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, 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

“The Commissioner of Police describes the attack as barbaric, callous, and unacceptable, assuring the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims that the Command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act.

“The Command wishes to assure residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire State that vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”