Armed bandits have launched an हमला on Ekerin village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a night vigil.
The attack reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday while the victims were gathered for an all-night prayer session.
Sources said the assailants fired sporadically into the air to disperse residents before advancing to Ori-Oke Ajaiye, where the worshippers were assembled.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command, through its spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals and the abduction of 15 others.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on May 24, 2026, by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala in Ekerin village. He explained that armed men stormed the prayer ground on May 23 at about 8:30 p.m., opened fire, killed three congregants, and whisked away others to an unknown location.
The police said the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division promptly deployed officers to the scene following the distress call.
Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has since ordered a full-scale tactical and intelligence-led operation, involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, and intelligence units, to rescue the victims and track down the perpetrators.
Describing the attack as barbaric and unacceptable, the commissioner assured affected families that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those abducted and bring the culprits to justice.
The command also reassured residents of sustained security operations, including bush combing and intelligence gathering, to apprehend the attackers.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm but vigilant, and to provide useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation and rescue efforts.