By Adegbaju Temitope
Three worshippers have been killed and 15 others abducted by suspected terrorists during an attack on a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the council area.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the gunmen invaded the prayer ground around 8:30 p.m. while worshippers were holding a night vigil.
According to the statement, the attackers opened fire sporadically, killing three persons on the spot before abducting 15 others to an unknown destination.
“The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State,” the statement read.
The incident was reportedly brought to the attention of the police by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who said the assailants stormed the prayer ground during the vigil and carried out the attack.
The police spokesperson disclosed that upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Ekiti Division immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
She added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, had ordered a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-led operation aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
According to her, the operation involves the deployment of the police drone team, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets.
The police commissioner reportedly described the attack as barbaric, callous and unacceptable, assuring residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
The command further stated that bush combing, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations were ongoing to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.
Residents of the area were urged to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in the ongoing rescue operation.
