Bandits reportedly carried out a deadly attack on a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, in the late hours of Saturday.The incident happened around 8:30 p.m.while worshippers were gathered for a night vigil.

According to reports confirmed by the Kwara State Police Command, the armed criminals invaded the prayer site, opened fire sporadically, and killed three worshippers on the spot.After the attack, they abducted about 15 other worshippers and took them to an unknown destination.

The police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident in an official statement issued on Sunday, noting that the attack was first reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala in Ekerin Village.

The statement strongly condemned the violent invasion, describing it as a brutal and unacceptable act against innocent citizens who were engaged in peaceful worship.

Following the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division mobilised officers to the scene, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, ordered a full-scale tactical and intelligence-driven response.

This includes the deployment of Police Drone Teams, PMF operatives, intelligence units, and other security resources to track the attackers and rescue the abducted victims.

Security operations such as bush combing and intelligence gathering have been intensified across the area to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Authorities also appealed to residents of Ekiti LGA and the wider Kwara community to remain calm, vigilant, and provide useful information that could assist ongoing rescue operations and investigations.