Bandits Attack Church in Kwara, Abduct Worshippers

Bandits Attack Church in Kwara, Abduct Worshippers

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Sunday invaded an ECWA church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting several worshippers during a service.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the day, caused panic among congregants and residents as the assailants stormed the church premises and whisked away victims.

Sources said the attackers struck while worshippers were gathered for their weekly service. A member of the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that at least seven persons were taken during the incident.

Security operatives, however, mounted a swift response, leading to the rescue of three of the abducted victims.

Confirming the development, the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, commended the efforts of security agencies, local vigilantes and forest guards in repelling the attackers and rescuing some of the victims.

“We commend the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces, forest guards and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attackers,” she said.

Olukoju added that security agencies had been directed to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining abductees and bring those responsible to justice.

“While commending the response so far, we task security agencies to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators,” she stated.

The commissioner described the attack on a place of worship as unacceptable, stressing that such acts of violence have no place in society.

She also called on residents to remain vigilant and support security efforts by providing timely information to authorities.

According to her, ongoing forest combing operations in affected areas have already recorded progress in curbing criminal activities.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Kwara South following intelligence reports of planned attacks in parts of the region.

The Kwara South Joint Security Watch had earlier warned of possible coordinated attacks targeting Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin local government areas.

Its coordinator, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said security agencies, including military and paramilitary personnel, had been deployed, with additional air surveillance introduced to prevent further attacks.

He urged residents to stay alert and report suspicious movements as authorities continue efforts to restore calm in the area.