Gunmen attack Kwara church, abduct eight worshippers as security forces rescue three

By James Ike

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Sunday attacked the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting eight worshippers during service.

The assailants reportedly stormed the church and fired sporadically, causing panic among congregants before whisking away the victims. Three of those abducted later managed to escape, while five remain in captivity.

Reacting to the incident, the Kwara State Government condemned the attack, describing the targeting of a place of worship as “cowardly” and unacceptable.

The Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, commended the swift response of security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of some victims.

She urged security operatives to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of those still held and the arrest of the perpetrators.

The government also called for sustained collaboration among security forces and community stakeholders to curb criminal activities in the area.

Authorities further noted that ongoing security operations and forest combing efforts have significantly reduced criminal activities across parts of the state, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed that three victims had been rescued through a joint operation involving the police, military personnel, and forest guards.

Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi described the response as swift and coordinated but disclosed that five victims remain with the abductors.

The latest incident comes months after a similar attack in Eruku, Kwara State, where dozens of worshippers were abducted during a church service but later rescued following sustained security operations.