Suspected 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 residents and church members as gunmen stormed the premises and whisked away victims.
According to local sources, at least seven people were taken by the attackers before security operatives intervened. A joint team comprising security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes responded swiftly, managing to rescue three of the abducted victims.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, commended the prompt and coordinated efforts of the security agencies, which helped repel the attackers and secure the release of some victims.
She noted that efforts are ongoing to rescue those still in captivity, adding that security agencies have been directed to intensify operations to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of all abductees.
Olukoju strongly condemned the attack, describing the targeting of a place of worship as both cowardly and unacceptable. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that decisive actions are being taken to curb criminal activities in the region.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, as this would aid ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
Authorities further revealed that forest combing operations in affected areas have already yielded positive results, significantly reducing the activities of criminal elements.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Kwara South, following intelligence reports of planned coordinated attacks across Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas. Security has since been reinforced, with military and paramilitary personnel, alongside aerial surveillance, deployed to prevent further attacks.
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