Panic in Kwara as gunmen invade Church, kidnap worshippers

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

The incident, which triggered panic among congregants and residents, occurred in the early hours of Sunday when the assailants stormed the church premises and carried out the abduction.

Security operatives, however, swiftly responded to the attack, leading to the rescue of three victims. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees.

A source within the Kwara South Joint Security Watch disclosed that at least seven persons were taken by the attackers, although the exact number is yet to be officially confirmed.

Confirming the development, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, commended the coordinated response of security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes, noting that their intervention helped to repel the attackers and rescue some of the victims.

She said the state government has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.

Olukoju condemned the attack, describing the targeting of a place of worship as cowardly and unacceptable.

“The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise. Such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she said.

She also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing operations.

According to her, ongoing forest combing operations have already begun to yield results, significantly curbing the activities of criminal elements in affected areas.

The latest attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Kwara South, following intelligence reports warning of planned coordinated assaults across Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas.

Security authorities have since intensified surveillance, including the deployment of military and paramilitary personnel, as well as air monitoring, to forestall further attacks.

Residents have been advised to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious movement to security agencies as efforts continue to restore calm and ensure the safety of lives and property.