Police deploy tactical teams after Kwara prayer ground mass abduction

The Police Command in Kwara has condemned the killing of three worshippers and the abduction of 15 others at a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the incident occurred at Ori-Oke Ajaiye on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti LGA.

The police spokesperson said the incident was reported on Sunday by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA.

According to her, the pastor reported that armed men invaded the prayer ground during a vigil at about 8.30 p.m. on Saturday, firing sporadically, killing three persons and abducting 15 others to an unknown destination.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.

“The Commissioner of Police,  Ojo Adekimi, directed a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets for a coordinated rescue mission,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.

The commissioner described the attack as barbaric, callous and unacceptable, assuring the families of the victims that the command was committed to rescuing those abducted and apprehending the perpetrators.

He also assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the state of ongoing security operations, including bush combing and intelligence gathering, to track down the assailants.

Adekimi urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations. (NAN)