Panic in Kwara as gunmen attack prayer mountain, kill three people and kidnap worshippers

Fear and tension have gripped parts of Kwara State following a deadly attack by gunmen on a prayer meeting in Ekiti Local Government Area, which left three worshipers dead and several others kidnapped.

The attack occurred Saturday evening at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, a remote prayer site located near Ikiran Village along the Ikerin/Ajuba corridor, where worshipers had gathered for a night vigil before the assailants struck.

Residents said the sound of gunfire sent villagers and worshipers fleeing into nearby bushes and surrounding communities as the attackers reportedly operated for several minutes before fleeing through forest paths.

One resident, who declined to be named due to security concerns, described the confusion that followed the attack, and said that many families spent hours searching for relatives who failed to return home.

“People ran in different directions because of the sound of gunfire. Some families couldn’t even find their relatives until this morning.”

The Kwara State Police Command later confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday in Ilorin by the command spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

Based on the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, condemned the attack and described it as a horrific act against innocent worshippers.

“The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the horrific attack, killing and kidnapping of innocent worshipers by armed bandits at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti Local Government Area of ​​Kwara State.”

Also read: Gunman Kills 3 Congregants, Kidnaps 15 People During Church Alert in Kwara

Police explained that the incident was first reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who was leading his church congregation during a vigil when armed men stormed the prayer area.

“While on night watch with his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, armed thugs stormed the prayer place, opening fire sporadically.”

Police confirmed that three worshipers lost their lives in the attack while 15 others were forcibly taken by the attackers to an unknown destination.

The Police Commissioner said officers attached to the Ekiti Division quickly responded after receiving an emergency call from the area.

“Receiving the distress report, the Ekiti Division Police Chief immediately deployed officers to the scene,” he said.

The police command revealed that a large-scale rescue operation involving tactical teams, intelligence units and surveillance assets has been launched to rescue the abductees and arrest those responsible for the attack.

“A comprehensive tactical and intelligence-based operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, Intelligence Unit and other operational assets has been deployed for a coordinated rescue mission,” he said.

Describing the incident as a barbaric act, the police commissioner assured residents that security agencies were intensifying operations in all affected communities and forest areas.

“The command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the arrest of the perpetrators behind this heinous act,” he promised.

The statement added that extensive forest combing and intelligence gathering efforts are underway across Ekiti Local Government Area and surrounding communities.

“Strong efforts are underway, including bush combing, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations to track down the attackers and bring them to justice,” the statement added.

The command also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that can support the ongoing rescue efforts.

This latest incident adds to concerns over increasing attacks on worship centers and rural communities in Kwara South.

In November 2025, armed bandits stormed the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, also in Ekiti Local Government Area, where three worshipers were killed and 38 others kidnapped before security operatives later secured their release.

Again in March 2026, suspected gunmen attacked the ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, kidnapping 11 worshippers. Although three victims were later rescued through joint security operations, eight other people were reportedly still being held hostage at the time of writing this report.

Repeated attacks continue to increase anxiety among rural communities in Kwara State, especially in areas bordering forests and remote settlements.