A violent attack has plunged the Ikerin/Ajuba axis in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State into heightened tension, following a reported assault by armed criminals on residents and worshippers.

The incident, which occurred during a night vigil, led to multiple kidnappings, injuries, and fatalities, prompting urgent calls for government intervention amidst a surge in bandit and terrorist activities in the Kwara South region.

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three worshippers and the abduction of 15 others following a deadly attack by armed assailants at a prayer ground in the Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

The PUNCH gathered that the attack occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ikerin/Ajuba axis of the local government area, throwing surrounding communities into panic.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the gruesome and barbaric incident took place on Friday, May 23, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m. during a prayer session by members of a church congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin Village.

The attack was formally reported to the police on May 24, 2026, by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who recounted how armed assailants stormed the prayer ground, firing indiscriminately.

The police confirmed that the attack resulted in the deaths of three persons and the abduction of fifteen others, who were taken to an unknown destination.

This confirmation aligns with earlier reports from local sources to SaharaReporters, which indicated that attackers invaded the community, shooting sporadically, and causing widespread panic.

Residents described a chaotic scene, where people were awakened by gunshots and screams, forcing families to flee into the night.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen operated freely for an extended period without immediate resistance.

Community members have expressed profound alarm over the escalating insecurity in Kwara South, particularly in rural and semi-rural settlements that have become increasingly vulnerable to armed attacks.

They are urging immediate and decisive government action to address the pervasive threat.

Upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer of the Ekiti Division immediately mobilized operatives to the scene.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, has condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing it as barbaric, callous, and unacceptable.

He has ordered an intensive rescue and manhunt operation, deploying a Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets for a coordinated mission to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Kwara State Police Command has assured the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the rescue of all victims and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Command also affirmed that vigorous efforts, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations, are ongoing across surrounding forests and communities to track down the assailants.

Residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire state have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid the ongoing operation.