Terrorists have attacked a church night vigil in Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others in a fresh wave of violence targeting rural communities in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
The attack occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, while members of a church congregation were holding a vigil prayer service.
Residents said the gunmen stormed the prayer ground around 8:30 p.m., firing sporadically and sending worshippers and villagers fleeing into nearby bushes and surrounding communities in panic.
According to local sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers and operated for several minutes before escaping through forest routes with abducted victims.
A resident who requested anonymity described scenes of confusion and fear as families searched through the night for missing relatives.
“People were running in different directions because of the gunshots. Some families could not even find their relatives until this morning,” the resident said.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday and condemned the killings and abductions.
Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the attack was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, located in Ekerin village.
According to the police statement, the pastor informed authorities that armed hoodlums invaded the vigil ground while worshippers were praying, killing three people and abducting 15 others to an unknown destination.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale tactical and intelligence-led rescue operation involving the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets.
The police described the attack as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” assuring residents that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted worshippers and apprehend those responsible.
Security operatives have since intensified bush combing operations and surveillance across forest corridors around the affected communities.
The command also appealed to residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could support ongoing rescue efforts.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of North-Central Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly targeted villages, highways, farms and religious gatherings.
Churches and rural worship centres in isolated communities have become vulnerable targets in recent months, with residents repeatedly calling for stronger security presence and rapid response capabilities in remote areas.
Community leaders in the area have urged the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen protection for rural settlements and religious centres, warning that persistent attacks are deepening fear and displacement among residents.
As of Sunday evening, authorities said operations to locate the abducted victims were ongoing.
