Gunmen attacked a vigil prayer gathering in Kwara State on Friday night, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others.
The incident occurred at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, near Ikiran Village in Ekiti Local Government Area, according to the Kwara State Police Command.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the attack happened around 8:30 p.m. on May 23 while members of a church congregation were holding a night vigil at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin Village.
The police said the incident was reported the following day by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who told authorities that armed men stormed the prayer ground and opened fire on worshippers before taking several people away.
Three persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while 15 others were abducted and taken to an unknown location.
The Command described the attack as “gruesome” and condemned the killings and abductions.
Following the report, operatives from the Ekiti Division were deployed to the area. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, also directed a joint rescue operation involving tactical teams, intelligence units, PMF personnel, and the Police Drone Team.
Police said security operatives have begun coordinated operations across nearby forests and surrounding communities as efforts continue to locate the abducted victims and arrest those responsible.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist the ongoing investigation and rescue efforts.
