Nigeria: Jihadist Attack on Prayer Vigil Leaves Three Christians Dead, 15 Abducted

Kwara State Library Board, Ilorin Kwara State, Linason Blessing, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 | Jihad Watch

ABUJA, Nigeria (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A tragic attack on a Christian prayer gathering in western Nigeria’s Kwara State left three worshippers dead and 15 others abducted after armed gunmen stormed a church vigil on Saturday night, May 23, according to local sources and police officials.

The incident took place at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ekerin village in Ekiti County, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Worshippers had gathered for an overnight prayer service when heavily armed assailants invaded the prayer ground, firing indiscriminately before kidnapping several attendees.

Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed the attack and strongly condemned the violence carried out against the congregation.

“The Kwara State Police Command strongly condemns the gruesome attack, killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated. “The incident was reported on 24th May by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin village, who stated that while conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting 15 others to an unknown destination.”

Following the attack, Kwara State Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi ordered an extensive tactical and intelligence-led rescue operation. According to police officials, the mission involves the deployment of a Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, intelligence units, and other security assets aimed at locating the abducted victims and apprehending those responsible.

The shocking assault has heightened concerns over growing insecurity and terrorist activity in parts of Kwara State. In response, the Ekiti Local Government Council issued a renewed warning to religious organizations against conducting night worship services in isolated areas.

Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, chairman of the Ekiti Local Government Council, stated that authorities had previously advised churches and mosques to suspend overnight vigils because of security threats in the region.

“Faith cannot be practiced at the expense of life,” Gabriel said. “We have consistently advised churches and mosques in isolated areas to stop holding night vigils. Worship is meant to edify and protect, not expose people to avoidable danger.”

The attack has sparked fear among local residents and worshippers, with many calling for stronger security measures to protect religious communities and rural villages increasingly vulnerable to armed violence and kidnappings.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)