Joint security operatives on Sunday repelled a suspected bandits’ attack on an ECWA Church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, rescuing three abducted worshippers in the process.
The incident occurred during a church service, when armed men stormed the premises and abducted no fewer than seven people, sparking panic among congregants and residents.
Security forces, including forest guards and local vigilantes, swiftly intervened to contain the situation.
Confirming the development, the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said three victims were rescued while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of 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 said.
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Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend those behind the assault and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims.
She condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing it as “cowardly and 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 said.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities, as forest combing operations continue to yield results in curbing criminal activity across affected areas.
The attack comes amid heightened security issues in Kwara South, following intelligence reports of planned coordinated strikes in Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas.
Notably, the Kwara South Joint Security Watch warned of possible attacks on 23 and 28 March, with deployments of military and paramilitary personnel, alongside air surveillance, already underway to forestall further incidents.