GUNMEN STORM KWARA CHURCH, ABDUCT WORSHIPPERS

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Bandits attacked an ECWA Church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting several worshippers.

According to reports, joint security operatives managed to rescue three of the kidnapped victims.

The incident reportedly took place on Sunday morning during the church’s weekly service, sparking panic among congregants and local residents.

A source told the media that the attackers stormed the church compound and took multiple people before security forces intervened.

A source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “At least seven people were abducted,” though further details were not provided.

Confirming the development to our correspondent, the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said security operatives successfully rescued three victims while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees.

She stated, “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.”

Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims.

“While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators,” she said.

The commissioner also condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing the act as cowardly and unacceptable.

The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise, and we reaffirm that such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she added.

She also urged residents to back current security initiatives by staying alert and cooperating with the authorities.

“We urge community members to maintain close collaboration with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilante groups to tackle this menace and protect our communities,” the statement said.

Olukoju emphasized that ongoing forest patrols and search operations have already produced positive outcomes.