Tragedy struck a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State after armed men invaded a night vigil, killing three worshippers and abducting several others.
The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, situated on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti LGA, throwing the community into panic and grief.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Kwara State Police Command said the gunmen stormed the prayer gathering on Saturday at about 8:30 p.m., shooting sporadically before whisking away worshippers to an unknown destination.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the incident was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, who said the victims were holding a night vigil when the assailants attacked.
“The armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination,” the police spokesperson stated.
The police disclosed that operatives from the Ekiti Division were immediately deployed to the scene following a distress call, while the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ojo Adekimi, ordered a full-scale rescue operation.
Ejire-Adeyemi said the operation involves tactical and intelligence units, including the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force personnel, and other security assets aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
Describing the attack as “barbaric, callous, and unacceptable,” the police commissioner assured families of the victims that the command remains committed to securing the release of those kidnapped and bringing those responsible to justice.
“The Command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act,” the statement added.
The police further assured residents of Ekiti LGA and other parts of the state that coordinated security operations, intelligence gathering, and bush combing efforts were ongoing to track down the attackers.
Residents were also urged to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue mission and investigation. (vitalnewsngr.com)
