Bandits Attack Church in Kwara, Abduct Worshippers, Three Rescued

Bandits invaded an ECWA Church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Sunday morning, abducting several worshippers during a weekly service.

Joint security operatives, however, successfully rescued three of the abducted victims, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of others.

A source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch disclosed that at least seven people were abducted in the attack, which caused panic among worshippers and residents.

Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, commended the swift response of security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three victims and helped repel the attackers.

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

“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,” Olukoju added.

She also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, noting that ongoing forest combing operations had already yielded positive results in curtailing criminal activities across affected areas.

The attack comes amid heightened security concerns following intelligence reports of planned coordinated attacks across Kwara South.

The Kwara South Joint Security Watch had earlier warned of possible attacks targeting Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas, prompting the deployment of military and paramilitary personnel alongside air surveillance.