SUN MAY 24 2026-theGBJournal| Fear and uncertainty once again gripped communities in Kwara North on Saturday night as residents of the Ikerin/Ajuba axis in Kaiama area reportedly fled into surrounding bushes after heavily armed gunmen stormed the community, abducting several people and leaving an unconfirmed number feared dead.
The Kwara State Police Command, has strongly condemned the gruesome attack, while confirming the killing, and abduction of innocent worshippers by armed criminals at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Kwara State Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in statement said, the incident was reported on 24th May, 2026, by one Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA Kwara State, who stated that while conducting a night vigil alongside members of his congregation at Ori-Oke Ijaye via Ekerin village, on 23rd May, 2026, at about 2030hrs, armed hoodlums invaded the prayer ground, firing sporadically, killing three persons while abducting fifteen others to an unknown destination.
According to the Police, upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiti Division, immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.
”The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, has 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,” the PPRO said
The Commissioner of Police also described the attack as barbaric, callous, and unacceptable, assuring the families of the deceased, the injured, and the abducted victims that the Command is fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators behind the heinous act.
The Command assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the entire State that vigorous efforts are ongoing, including bush combing, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.
The latest assault revives painful memories of earlier attacks that have turned parts of Kaiama into one of Nigeria’s emerging insecurity hotspots, where villagers now live under the constant threat of midnight raids, kidnappings and deadly terrorist incursions.
In February, terrorists invaded the communities of Woro and Nuku in Kaiama, killing more than 160 residents, with some reports putting the death toll above 200.
In April, armed men attacked Kemanji community, also in Kaiama LGA, killing soldiers during a fierce gun battle and abducting several residents after reportedly issuing threats to the community beforehand.
The insecurity deepened further in May when gunmen attacked a Police Mobile Force camp in Tenebo village, Kaiama LGA, killing three police officers and injuring others.
The recurring attacks have fuelled fears that armed groups are consolidating their presence in forested border areas around Kaiama and other parts of Kwara North, despite ongoing military operations.
Many villages remain vulnerable due to their remote locations and limited security presence.
The attack is likely to renew calls for stronger security measures across Kwara’s border communities, which have borne the brunt of the state’s worsening security challenge in recent months.
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