From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Suspected bandits on Sunday, attacked a worship service at an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting eight members of the congregation.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the assailants stormed the church during service, firing sporadically to disperse worshippers before whisking away their victims to an unknown destination.
However, in a twist of events, three of the abducted victims reportedly escaped from captivity, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining five.
The Kwara State Government confirmed the incident through the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, who assured residents that security agencies have intensified operations to track down the perpetrators.
Related News
“The government commends the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes for their proactive response and the successful rescue of three of the eight abducted victims,” Olukoju stated.
She described the attack as unacceptable, condemning the targeting of a place of worship under any circumstances.
“We strongly condemn the cowardly targeting of religious places under any guise,” she added.
The commissioner urged security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain collaboration in tackling insecurity in the area.
“While we commend the immediate response of 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,” the statement read.
Olukoju further noted that ongoing security operations, including forest combing exercises, have significantly reduced criminal activities in parts of the state, assuring residents of government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“The government remains committed to working with security forces and community stakeholders to ensure the safety of all residents,” she said.
