Panic and fear have swept through parts of Ekiti local government area of Kwara State, following fresh attacks by suspected armed bandits that left several people dead, many injured and dozens abducted in separate assaults on communities and worshippers.
The latest wave of violence has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity across Kwara-South, where residents have faced increasing incidents of kidnappings and deadly attacks in recent months.
In one of the attacks, gunmen reportedly stormed a remote prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran Village, on Friday night during a night vigil, killing at least three worshippers and abducting 15 others. Sources said the attackers invaded the prayer gathering at about 8:30pm, firing sporadically and causing worshippers to flee into nearby bushes in confusion. Barely a day later, armed bandits reportedly struck the Ikerin/Ajuba area in the same local government on Saturday night, abducting several residents, injuring others and leaving some feared dead.
Local sources said the assailants fired heavily during the operation, forcing villagers to flee for safety as confusion spread across the area.
The attacks have triggered renewed calls for urgent intervention by authorities, with residents lamenting persistent raids, kidnappings for ransom and disruptions to farming and daily activities across rural communities.
Confirming the prayer ground attack yesterday, the Kwara State Police Command said the incident was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun. Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, had deployed tactical and intelligence teams, including the Police Drone Unit, PMF personnel and other operatives for a coordinated rescue mission.
The Command condemned the incident as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
