By Benjamin Richard
Kwara State Armed men killed three worshippers and abducted at least 15 others during an attack on a Christian prayer vigil in Kwara State on Saturday night, authorities and local sources said.
The incident occurred at the Ori Oke Ajaiye prayer ground in the Ikiran Village area of Ekiti Local Government Area during a night vigil attended by members of the Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala church.
Witnesses said the attackers arrived at the location during the evening gathering and opened fire, causing panic among worshippers before abducting several individuals and fleeing into nearby forested areas.
At least three people were confirmed dead at the scene, while others were taken away by the assailants. The exact number and identities of those abducted have not yet been confirmed by authorities.
The Kwara State Police Command condemned the attack in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, describing it as an assault on innocent worshippers.
Police said tactical teams had been deployed to the area, with search and rescue operations ongoing in surrounding forested locations. No arrests or rescues had been confirmed as of Sunday.
The attack adds to growing security concerns in parts of Kwara State and surrounding regions, where similar incidents have been reported in recent months.
Authorities have urged residents to provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
