Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The leadership and entire members of the ECWA Joint District Church Councils in Kwara State, has expressed deep pain, grave concern, and collective outrage over the worsening insecurity confronting Churches and Communities in the State.
The ECWA Joint District Church Councils in Kwara State in a statement signed by its Chairman, Reverend Samuel Adewumi,and Secretary, Reverend Joseph Agboluaje, called for immediate, decisive, and proactive measures to safeguard lives, places of worship, and Communities across the State, especially in the most vulnerable areas.
“When the home is no longer safe, where then is refuge? When worshippers cry out and ask their shepherds, ‘When will this end?’—it is evident that urgent and decisive action is required,” it stated.
The Church noted that the recent attack during worship on Sunday, 22nd March 2026 at ECWA Omugo in Oro Ago DCC, where bandits invaded a church service and abducted innocent worshippers, including the wife of a minister—has once again exposed the harsh reality that even sacred places are no longer safe.
It explained that several local Churches have been forced to shut down due to persistent security threats.
The Churches they noted include ECWA Oreke, ECWA Oreke-Okegbo, ECWA Alabe, ECWA Oyatedo, ECWA Ahun, and ECWA Oke Oyan in Oro Ago DCC; ECWA Babanla, ECWA Gamun, ECWA Bodo Idowu, ECWA Shagbe, ECWA Eka, and ECWA Babasango in Igbaja DCC; as well as ECWA Owa Onire in Omu-Aran DCC, among others.
The body of Christ added that this development is both alarming and unacceptable stressing that this recurring tragedy is not only an attack on individuals or the Church; it is an assault on peace, faith, and the fundamental right to worship freely and safely.
“As a united body—one of the largest Christian denominations in Kwara South and Kwara State at large—comprising Ilorin DCC, Omu-Aran DCC, Igbaja DCC, Oro Ago DCC, and Fate–Tanke DCC, we make this passionate and urgent appeal to all relevant security authorities and government agencies that Enough of sympathy, Enough of condolence messages after the damage has been done.
Our people deserve protection—not promises. Our communities need security—not statements” it emphasised
The Church was of the view that “while we continue to trust in God, the Great Shepherd of the flock, we also insist that those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives must rise to the occasion without delay”.
It committed the abducted brethren into God’s hands, praying earnestly for their safety, preservation, and speedy release. “We stand in solidarity with the affected families and assure them that they are not alone in this painful moment.”
They stressed that the Church, “will not be silenced, the mission will not be stopped and by the grace of God, we shall overcome praying that the peace and justice of God prevail in our land.”
