Joint security forces have successfully repelled a bandit attack on an ECWA Church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, rescuing three kidnapped victims in the process.
The incident occurred during a church service on Sunday when armed men reportedly invaded the premises, causing panic among worshippers and residents.
A local source disclosed that the attackers stormed the church and abducted several members before security personnel intervened. Another source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch revealed that at least seven individuals were taken during the attack.
“At least seven people were abducted,” the source said.
Confirming the development, the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said a swift and coordinated response by security agencies led to the rescue of three victims while efforts continue to free others.
“We commend the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attackers,” she stated.
Olukoju added that the government has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to capture those responsible and secure the release of the remaining victims.
“While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators,” she said.
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Condemning the attack, she described the targeting of a place of worship as unacceptable.
“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,” she added.
She also called on residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies in tackling criminal activities.
“We call on community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to bring an end to this menace and safeguard our communities,” the statement noted.
Olukoju further highlighted progress made in ongoing security operations in the area.
“We also commend the appreciable progress made in the ongoing combing of the forests, which has significantly curtailed the activities of criminal elements across affected areas,” she said.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, promising continued collaboration with security stakeholders to tackle insecurity.