By Palang Paul
At least three Christian worshippers were killed and 15 others abducted after armed Islamic terrorists attacked a church night vigil in Kwara State North-central Nigeria, highlighting growing fears over the persecution of Christians in the country.
The attack occurred late Saturday 23rd May 2026 at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, a prayer ground located on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where members of a local church had gathered for overnight worship.
According to local sources, heavily armed assailants stormed the Christian gathering around 8:30 p.m., opening fire on worshippers and residents before dragging several victims into nearby forests.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as terrified villagers fled in different directions amid continuous gunfire.
“People were running everywhere because of the shooting,” a resident told local media. “Some families searched throughout the night for missing relatives.”
Police authorities confirmed the attack on Sunday.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the incident was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala Church.
The police said the attackers invaded the prayer ground during the vigil, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others to an unknown destination.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the attack as “barbaric, callous and unacceptable,” announcing the deployment of tactical units, intelligence teams, police drones, and other security operatives to rescue the kidnapped victims and track down the perpetrators.
Security forces have since launched coordinated bush-combing operations across surrounding communities and forest areas.
The latest violence adds to mounting concerns among Christian communities and international observers over persistent attacks targeting churches, worshippers, and clergy across parts of Nigeria Middle Belt.
Christian advocacy groups have repeatedly warned that believers in several regions of the country face increasing insecurity, including killings, kidnappings, and violent raids on places of worship.
Despite repeated government assurances, many rural Christian communities remain vulnerable to attacks by Islamic armed groups such as Fulani Ethnic Militias (FEM),Boko Haram,Lakurawa among many others.
As families mourn the victims and await news of those abducted, churches across the region have continued prayers for the safe return of the captives and an end to the growing wave of violence against Christians in the country.
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