Gunmen have attacked a worship centre in Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others.

The incident occurred late on Friday night in a community in the southern part of the state. According to eyewitnesses, the armed men stormed the centre during a night service, opened fire on the worshippers, and then forcibly took away 15 people, mostly women and youths.

Three persons were confirmed dead at the scene. The attackers fled into a nearby forest before security forces could arrive.

Residents of the area have expressed shock and fear following the attack, which has heightened concerns about the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in parts of Kwara State.

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the incident and says it has launched a manhunt for the gunmen. A search and rescue operation is currently ongoing to locate the abducted victims.

This latest attack comes as security agencies continue to battle banditry and kidnapping in parts of the North-Central region. Many community leaders have called on the government to strengthen security presence in rural areas to prevent further attacks.

As of Saturday morning, no group has claimed responsibility for the assault. The police have appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that can assist in the rescue of the victims and the arrest of the perpetrators.

The state government is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.