Suspected terrorists on Sunday invaded an ECWA Church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting nine worshippers during a church service.
The attack, which caused panic among residents, occurred while the service was ongoing, as the assailants stormed the premises and forcefully took several congregants into a nearby forest.
Security operatives, however, mounted a swift response, leading to the rescue of three victims shortly after the incident. The operation involved a joint effort by the police, forest guards, and military personnel who pursued the attackers into the bush after receiving distress signals from escaping worshippers.
A source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that nine victims were initially taken, with three later rescued during the security operation.
He raised concerns over the proximity of the church to a military base, noting that the facility is located less than two kilometres away. According to him, “I was told nine worshippers were successfully taken away into the forest after three were rescued by a combination of forest guards, the police and soldiers who went after them.
“We had prior information about a possible attack, and I expected security to be on alert. The church is less than two kilometres from a military base, so one begins to suspect compromise because they will soon demand ransom.”
The source also disclosed that four individuals abducted earlier in the nearby Babanla community remain in captivity despite a ransom payment of N10 million raised by residents.
“We surely can’t continue like this. It is very unfortunate,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Communications in Kwara State, Bolanle Olukoju, confirmed the incident and commended the rapid intervention of security operatives and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of some victims.
She stated, “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.”
Olukoju added that the state government has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
“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.
She condemned the attack on a place of worship, describing it as both cowardly and unacceptable, while urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
“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.
The commissioner further noted that ongoing forest combing operations have made progress in reducing criminal activities in affected areas, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through sustained collaboration with security stakeholders.
What you should know
The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities where armed groups target civilians for abduction.
Despite the quick rescue of three victims, several others remain in captivity, raising concerns about safety even in areas close to security installations.
The government’s response underscores efforts to improve coordination among security agencies, but the incident also reflects the need for stronger intelligence and preventive measures to curb recurring attacks.
