Panic gripped residents of a community in Kwara State after suspected bandits attacked a night vigil, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others.
The attack occurred on Saturday night at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, describing the attack as cruel and unacceptable.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the assailants stormed the prayer ground around 8:30pm while members of a church were observing a vigil.
She said the incident was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala, Ekerin village, who informed the police that the gunmen invaded the gathering, opened fire sporadically and whisked away several worshippers to an unknown destination.
The police spokesperson disclosed that operatives from the Ekiti Division were immediately deployed to the scene following a distress call.
She added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ojo Adekimi, had ordered an intensive rescue operation involving tactical teams, intelligence units, PMF operatives and the police drone unit.
“The command is fully committed to rescuing the abducted victims and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement read.
The police also assured residents that security operatives had commenced bush combing and intelligence-driven operations to track down the attackers.
Residents were urged to remain calm and provide useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.
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