Three Christian worshippers who were at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, a prayer ground located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, were on Saturday, May 23, killed, while 15 others were abducted by gunmen.
The incident was reported on Sunday, May 24, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA Kwara State, who told the police that he and members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village were holding a vigil prayer service when armed hoodlums suddenly invaded the ground at about 8:30p.m., firing sporadically, which led to the death of three persons, while 15 other members were taken to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Public Relations Officer of Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said that immediately the report was received, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, mobilised operatives to the scene, while Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi directed a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, Intelligence Units, and other operational assets for a coordinated rescue mission.
The Commissioner of Police, who described the attack as “barbaric, callous, and unacceptable,” assured the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims that the Command is working on ensuring the rescue of all victims and the arrest of the perpetrators of the heinous act.
The PPRO said: “The Command wishes to assure residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire State that vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations.
“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”
