Three Christians were killed and 15 others kidnapped after armed attackers stormed a church prayer gathering in Nigeria’s Kwara state on Saturday evening, according to local authorities and human rights groups.
The attack took place at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, near Ekerin village in western Nigeria, while believers were holding a night vigil service. Police spokesman Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said gunmen entered the prayer ground at about 8:30 p.m., opened fire on worshippers and then forced several people into captivity.
Pastor Adebayo Abiodun, who was leading the gathering, reported the incident to authorities after the attackers fled with members of the congregation to an unknown location.
Police officials described the assault as brutal and unacceptable. Kwara State Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi ordered a large rescue operation involving intelligence officers, mobile police units and drone teams in an effort to locate the kidnapped worshippers and arrest those responsible.
Following the incident, the Ekiti Local Government Council urged churches in the area to suspend overnight worship services because of rising insecurity. Council chairman Awelewa Olawale Gabriel said religious gatherings in isolated areas had become increasingly vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
“Faith should never place lives in unnecessary danger,” he said, adding that churches and mosques had previously been advised to avoid late-night services in high-risk areas.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) also condemned the attack, warning that growing violence in Kwara state is creating fear across rural communities. The organisation said residents were forced to flee during the shooting as panic spread throughout the area.
Human rights leaders expressed concern that repeated attacks on churches, villages and farming communities show that criminal groups are becoming more organised and daring. They called on both state and federal authorities to strengthen security measures and restore confidence among local residents.
The CDHR noted that similar attacks have taken place in recent months. In November, gunmen reportedly attacked a Christ Apostolic Church congregation in the same region, killing worshippers and abducting others. Another church attack was reported in March at an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) service in Ifelodun County.
Christian advocacy groups continue to raise concerns about violence against believers in Nigeria. According to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria recorded more Christian deaths linked to faith-related violence than any other country during the reporting period.
The report stated that extremist groups, armed militias and criminal gangs continue to target Christian communities, particularly in northern and central parts of the country. Kidnappings, village raids and attacks on places of worship have increased significantly in recent years.
Rights organisations warn that ongoing insecurity is disrupting farming, limiting freedom of movement and forcing many communities to live in constant fear.
Adapted from reports by Morning Star News.
