Authorities in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have ordered an indefinite suspension of night vigils in rural communities following a deadly attack on worshippers at the Ori-Oke Ajaiye prayer ground, in which three people were killed and 15 others abducted.
The attack, which occurred during a midnight religious gathering, was carried out by heavily armed bandits who reportedly invaded the remote prayer site, opened fire on worshippers, and whisked away several attendees into nearby forest areas.
Security sources said the incident happened during a vigil service in the Ajaiye axis, a rural settlement known for isolated prayer camps and hilltop worship centres. Panic reportedly spread across the community as the attackers operated for several minutes before escaping with abductees.
Following the incident, the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Awelewa Olawale Gabriel, announced an immediate ban on night-time religious gatherings in rural and isolated communities. He directed that all worship activities be relocated to safer and more populated areas, adding that daytime services should be limited in duration for security reasons.
According to the council, the decision was taken after consultations with local security stakeholders who warned that isolated worship centres had become increasingly vulnerable to armed attacks. The chairman described the move as a necessary step to prevent further loss of lives.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attack, noting that a distress report was received from the pastor in charge of the affected prayer ground. Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said tactical teams had been deployed to the area to track the attackers and rescue the kidnapped victims.
