Gunmen on Sunday attacked the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting eight worshippers during a church service.
The assailants reportedly stormed the church and fired shots to disperse the congregation before taking the victims away. Three of those abducted later escaped, leaving five still in captivity.
Following the attack, the state government directed security agencies and local vigilantes to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the remaining victims.
The Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, commended the swift response of security forces, forest guards, and community vigilantes, which led to the rescue of the three victims.
She condemned the attack, describing the targeting of a place of worship as “cowardly” and unacceptable under any circumstances.
In a statement, the government urged continued collaboration between security agencies and local communities to curb criminal activities in the area.
“While we commend the immediate response, efforts must continue to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims and the arrest of those responsible,” the statement said, adding that ongoing forest operations have already helped reduce criminal activity in the region.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the development, noting that the rescue was achieved through a joint operation involving police, military personnel, and forest guards.
Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the operation was the result of a “swift and coordinated response,” but confirmed that five victims remain with the abductors.
The incident comes months after a similar attack in Eruku, also in Kwara State, where dozens of worshippers were abducted during a service but later rescued.
Reacting to that earlier incident, Bola Tinubu had praised security forces, confirming that all 38 victims were eventually freed.
