Kwara Community Demands Action After Church Attack, Security Coordinator Says Warnings Were Ignored

Residents of Kwara South have called for urgent security measures following a bandit attack on a church in the region, as a security coordinator accused political leaders of ignoring repeated warnings about impending attacks.

The Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, made the remarks on Monday while speaking on the attack on the ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro-Ago community, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage.

According to Oyin-Zubair, the Joint Security Watch had earlier alerted security agencies about possible bandit attacks targeting three local government areas in the district, but alleged that the warnings were not acted upon in time.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and families affected by the recent bandit attack on the ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro-Ago community,” he said.

He expressed frustration over what he described as the continued failure of leaders to respond decisively to intelligence reports and security alerts from community groups.

“We are outraged and frustrated that despite warnings from Joint Security Watch Kwara South, our leaders failed to act. It’s time for proactive leadership,” he stated.

The security coordinator lamented that while politicians had issued statements expressing sympathy over the attack, the community was demanding concrete steps to prevent further violence in the region.

“Politicians have sent empathy messages, but we demand action,” he said.

He stressed that addressing growing insecurity would require a coordinated approach involving government authorities, security agencies and local communities. According to him, technological tools, improved intelligence gathering and community vigilance must be prioritised to strengthen security operations.

“We need technology, vigilance and collective action to secure our communities,” he said.

Oyin-Zubair also urged residents to collaborate closely with security agencies and support community-based initiatives designed to improve local security networks.

“Join forces with security agencies, support community initiatives and push for real solutions,” he added.

He further warned that continued inaction from political leaders and authorities would only embolden criminal elements operating in the area.

“Enough is enough. Show us action, not just statements. Let’s work together to protect Kwara South,” he said.

Security agencies in Kwara State were earlier placed on high alert following intelligence indicating that suspected terrorists were planning coordinated attacks on three local government areas in the Kwara South Senatorial District. The planned attacks were believed to target Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin Local Government Areas, with the suspected terrorists reportedly preparing to strike simultaneously on March 23 and March 28, 2026.

The alert was contained in a statement issued last week Saturday by Oyin-Zubair, who urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

According to the statement, relevant authorities including the Kwara State Police Command, the chairmen of Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin Local Government Areas, as well as other security agencies, were formally notified about the looming threat.

The statement read: “In view of the speculative bandits attacks on March 23, 2026 and March 28th, authorities including Kwara State Police Command, Chairmen of Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin LGAs, and other security agencies have been notified and are taking necessary precautions to protect citizens.

We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. Your safety is our priority. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe. Stay safe, stay alert.”