Three worshippers were killed while 15 others were abducted after armed men attacked a night vigil gathering at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Saturday while members of a church congregation were observing a night vigil.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

According to the statement, the attack was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA.

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

The police said operatives from the Ekiti Division were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving a distress call.

The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has also ordered a coordinated rescue operation involving tactical teams, intelligence units, Police Mobile Force personnel and the Police Drone Team.

The police commissioner described the attack as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” assuring families of the victims that efforts were underway to rescue those abducted and apprehend those responsible.

The command said security agencies had intensified bush-combing operations, intelligence gathering and other coordinated efforts to track down the attackers.

Police also urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could aid ongoing operations.