Bandits kidnap eight worshippers in Kwara church

Armed bandits on Sunday morning abducted eight worshippers during a service at an ECWA church in Omugo, located in the Oro-Ago community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.

Sources, however, confirmed that three of the victims have since regained freedom following a rescue operation by joint security personnel.

The incident came just hours after the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South Senatorial District, Zubair Olaitan, issued a warning about a possible attack on communities across Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas.

In response, the Kwara State Government directed security agencies and local vigilante groups to intensify efforts to track down those responsible for the attack on the ECWA Church in Omugo.

Authorities also praised security operatives, forest guards, and vigilantes for successfully securing the release of some of the abducted worshippers.

The government strongly denounced the assault, describing the targeting of a place of worship as unacceptable under any circumstances.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the state government urged continued collaboration among security forces, forest guards, vigilantes, and residents to tackle insecurity in the area.

“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 arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement added.

The government further acknowledged the progress made by security teams and local operatives in flushing out criminals from nearby forests, noting that their efforts have significantly reduced criminal activities.

It reassured residents of its commitment to partnering with security agencies and communities to safeguard lives and property.