Panic and fear gripped residents of Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Sunday morning after suspected terrorists invaded a church during service, abducting nine worshippers.
The attackers reportedly struck during a live worship session at an ECWA Church, disrupting the gathering and forcing several congregants into the surrounding forest at gunpoint.
However, a swift and coordinated response by joint security operatives led to the rescue of three of the victims, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining six.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that some worshippers managed to escape the scene and quickly raised the alarm, prompting an immediate response from a combined team of police officers, soldiers, forest guards, and local vigilantes. The operatives reportedly pursued the attackers deep into the bush, leading to the successful rescue operation.
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A source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the attack.
According to the source, the church is located less than two kilometres from a military base, raising questions about how the attackers were able to operate so boldly.
“We had prior intelligence about a possible attack, so one would have expected heightened security in the area. The proximity of the church to a military base makes the situation even more troubling,” the source said.
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The source further revealed that four individuals recently abducted in neighbouring Babanla community remain in captivity despite a ₦10 million ransom reportedly paid by the community.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, confirmed the incident, commending the prompt intervention of security operatives.
“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 repel the attackers,” she said.
Olukoju added that the state government has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims and bring those responsible to justice.
She strongly condemned the attack, describing the targeting of a place of worship as both cowardly and unacceptable.
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“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 stated.
She also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security agencies, noting that ongoing forest combing operations have already yielded positive results in curbing criminal activities across affected areas.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring citizens of sustained collaboration with all security stakeholders to address the growing security concerns in the state.
