SUSPECTED armed bandits have attacked a remote prayer ground in Kwara State, killing at least three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a night vigil in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the attack reportedly occurred on Friday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, situated on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the southern part of Kwara State, throwing the quiet agrarian community into panic and confusion.
Sources familiar with the incident said the gunmen stormed the prayer gathering at about 8:30pm, opening fire sporadically before whisking several worshippers away into nearby bushes and forests.
Residents said the victims were participating in a night prayer session when the attackers invaded the secluded prayer camp, forcing worshippers to flee in different directions amid intense gunfire.
The identities of the deceased victims had yet to be officially released as of the time of filing this report, while efforts were ongoing to trace and rescue those abducted during the attack.
Local sources disclosed that fear had since gripped surrounding villages and neighbouring communities, with many residents calling for increased security presence and stronger surveillance around isolated worship centres and farming settlements.
Community members expressed concern over the growing insecurity in remote areas, warning that worshippers and farmers now feel increasingly vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
Security operatives were reportedly deployed to the area shortly after the incident, with search and rescue efforts extending deep into nearby forests in a bid to locate the abducted victims and track down the attackers.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Kwara State Police Command said the attack was formally reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, had immediately deployed tactical and intelligence teams to the affected area.
According to the police, the operation involves the Police Drone Unit, Police Mobile Force personnel and other security operatives coordinating an extensive rescue mission.
The command described the attack as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” while assuring residents that intensive efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted worshippers and apprehend those responsible for the assault.
The latest incident has once again heightened concerns over attacks on rural communities and isolated religious centres in parts of the country, with residents urging authorities to strengthen security architecture in vulnerable areas.