Gunmen abduct worshippers in Kwara, three rescued

Suspected terrorists on Sunday morning attacked an ECWA Church in the Omugo community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, abducting nine worshippers during a service.

It was learnt that joint security operatives rescued three of the victims in a swift response to the incident, which caused panic among worshippers and residents.

Sources said the attackers stormed the church while the service was in progress and forced several congregants into a nearby forest. An alarm raised by those who escaped reportedly prompted a combined team of police, soldiers and forest guards to pursue the assailants, leading to the rescue of three victims.

A source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development and expressed concern over the proximity of the church to a military base.

“I was told nine worshippers were taken into the forest after three were rescued by a joint team of forest guards, police and soldiers,” the source said.

“We had prior intelligence about a possible attack, so one would have expected heightened security. The church is less than two kilometres from a military base, raising questions, especially as ransom demands may follow.”

The source also revealed that four persons abducted in the neighbouring Babanla community remain in captivity despite a ₦10 million ransom reportedly paid by residents.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, confirmed the incident and said efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.

She commended the coordinated response of security forces, forest guards and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three victims and helped repel the attackers.

The commissioner said the government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.

Olukoju condemned the attack on a place of worship, describing it as cowardly and unacceptable.

“The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the targeting of a place of worship under any guise. Such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she said.

She urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, adding that ongoing forest operations had recorded progress in curbing criminal activities in affected areas.

The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of continued collaboration with security stakeholders.