The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Kwara State has raised concerns over a rising wave of kidnappings and killings in communities across the Kwara South Senatorial District, calling on authorities to take urgent action to restore security.
The alert follows a recent attack in Oyatedo village, Irepodun Local Government Area, where suspected kidnappers reportedly killed an ECWA member, Omoniyi Ajise, and abducted his wife along with four other residents. The incident occurred on Wednesday while ECWA district council leaders were holding a security meeting in Omu-Aran, according to a communiqué released at the end of the meeting.
The statement, signed by the Chairman of the ECWA Joint District Church Councils Forum, Samuel Adewumi, and Secretary, Joseph Agboluaje, noted that the meeting brought together leaders from Ilorin, Omu-Aran, Igbaja, Oro-Ago, and Fate-Tanke District Church Councils to discuss the growing security challenges affecting the state and neighboring areas.
Church leaders highlighted that the latest attack adds to a series of incidents in communities around Oro-Ago, Babanla, and other parts of the district. They recalled that two elderly residents, Dada and Ishola, were previously abducted in Ahun village but released after kidnappers realized their advanced age.
The forum described the security situation as alarming, warning that kidnappings and attacks have become frequent in rural communities. Farmers, particularly those at the peak of the cashew harvesting season, have been forced to abandon their farms, while residents live under constant threat from criminal groups. Several ECWA churches in affected areas have also closed, as clergy and members flee to safer locations.
“The insecurity has disrupted economic activities, and many families have been pushed into hardship,” the communiqué stated. The church urged the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, and security agencies to strengthen operations, deploy more personnel, enhance intelligence gathering, and adopt proactive strategies to curb kidnapping and related crimes.
While the forum assured that the church would continue supporting peace efforts through prayers and moral guidance, the Kwara State Police Command said no formal report of the incident had been made. The police confirmed ongoing efforts to ensure security, including recent arrests of suspects linked to criminal activities.
Residents in rural communities bordering forests and interstate routes have reported increasing kidnappings and armed gang activities in recent months, highlighting a growing security challenge across parts of Kwara State.
