Bandits Kill Three, Abduct 15 Worshippers in Kwara as Niger Deploys Drones Against Terrorists
Armed attackers invade night vigil in Kwara community while Niger State announces new security measures and investment plans to tackle insecurity.
Three worshippers were killed and 15 others abducted after suspected bandits attacked a night vigil in Kwara State. As security operations intensify in response to the incident, Niger State has announced plans to deploy drones to flush out terrorists and improve safety for residents and investors.
Suspected bandits have reportedly killed three people and abducted 15 worshippers during an attack on a prayer gathering at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, located on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred on Saturday night while members of a religious congregation were holding a night vigil at about 8:30 p.m.
According to reports, armed assailants stormed the prayer ground, causing panic and forcing many worshippers to flee for safety.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, said the attack was reported by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaiye Ati Igbala in Ekerin village.
The police commissioner explained that the armed men invaded the worship centre during the gathering, opened fire and abducted several participants to an unknown location.
He disclosed that security operatives responded immediately after receiving the distress call, with officers from the Ekiti Division mobilised to the scene.
According to him, a coordinated rescue operation involving the Police Drone Team, Police Mobile Force personnel, intelligence units and other tactical teams has been launched to locate and rescue the abducted victims.
Ojo described the attack as barbaric and unacceptable, assuring affected families that efforts were ongoing to rescue those kidnapped and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that may support ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has announced fresh measures to strengthen security across the state through the deployment of drones to monitor and combat terrorists and bandits operating in forested areas.
Commissioner for Investments, Aminu Sulaiman Takuma, said the move was approved by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago as part of efforts to sanitise the environment and create safer conditions for investment and economic growth.
Takuma said forests linked to criminal activities would no longer serve as safe havens for terrorists, expressing confidence that the initiative would improve investor confidence in the state.
He also disclosed that plans are underway to establish a gold mining and processing factory through support from an Australian investment partner, alongside infrastructure projects aimed at boosting transportation, industrial growth and agricultural development across Niger State.
