Bandits attacked worshippers in Ori-Oke Ajaiye, near Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three people and abducting 15 others during a night vigil on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The incident occurred around 8:30 pm when armed hoodlums stormed the prayer ground, firing randomly and creating chaos among the congregation. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Sunday, May 24, 2026, by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi.
The distress call came from Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who reported that the attackers invaded the prayer site while he and members of his congregation were observing a night vigil. The assailants opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, while 15 others were forcefully taken away to an unknown location. The police responded swiftly, with the Divisional Police Officer of Ekiti Division mobilizing officers to the scene immediately after the report.
In response to the heinous attack, the state Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, ordered a full-scale tactical and intelligence-driven operation. This includes deployment of the Police Drone Team, personnel from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), intelligence units, and other operational assets to launch a coordinated rescue mission. The commissioner condemned the attack as barbaric, callous, and unacceptable, emphasizing that the police command is fully committed to rescuing the abducted individuals and apprehending the perpetrators.
Security operations are ongoing across the area, with bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated patrols intensifying to track down the assailants. The police assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the broader Kwara State that every possible effort is being made to bring the criminals to justice and restore peace. They also urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any credible information that could aid the ongoing investigations.
The attack has sparked concern among residents, especially given the rising insecurity in the region. The police have reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on communities to work together in the fight against banditry. As the search for the missing continues, authorities are working closely with local leaders and religious groups to prevent further attacks. This incident underscores the urgent need for sustained security measures in rural communities vulnerable to such violence. The outcome of the rescue mission will be closely watched by families of the victims and the wider public.
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