…as Police deploy drone teams, PMF personnel to comb forests
By Muyideen Aliyu
Terrorists on Saturday attacked a church prayer ground at Ikiran village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara state leaving three worshippers dead and fifteen others abducted.
In a statement on Sunday, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo condemned the gruesome assault carried out by armed criminals noting that the command has launched a comprehensive, tactical, and intelligence-driven operation.
In a statement released on Sunday by the State Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police disclosed that the incident was reported on May 24, 2026, by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of the Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala church.
According to the report, the congregation was conducting an overnight vigil at the prayer ground on Saturday, May 23, when armed hoodlums suddenly invaded the area.
The assailants opened fire sporadically, killing three individuals on the spot before forcing 15 other worshippers into the forest to an unknown destination.
In response to the tragedy, the Commissioner of Police ordered the immediate deployment of the Command’s specialized assets including the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel, and various intelligence units for a coordinated rescue mission and bush-combing operation.
CP Ojo described the attack as barbaric, callous, and entirely unacceptable.
He assured the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims that the Command remains fully committed to securing the safe release of all hostages and apprehending the perpetrators behind the heinous act.
While security forces, local vigilantes, and intelligence networks continue to comb the forest corridors bordering Ekiti Local Government, the police have urged residents of the area and the entire state to remain calm and vigilant.
The Police urged of the public to assist the ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information to the nearest security agency.