Armed bandits on Sunday morning abducted eight worshippers during a church service at an ECWA congregation in Omugo, Oro-Ago community, located in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources, however, confirmed that three of the victims have since been rescued through a joint operation involving security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes.
The attack came just hours after the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South Senatorial District, Zubair Olaitan, issued a warning about a possible нападение on communities across Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas.
Reacting to the incident, the Kwara State Government condemned the assault, describing the targeting of a place of worship as “cowardly” and unacceptable under any circumstances. Authorities also directed security operatives and local vigilante groups to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, commended the swift response of security agencies and community stakeholders, particularly their role in rescuing three of the abductees.
“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 arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement read.
The government further praised the sustained efforts of security personnel, forest guards, and vigilantes in combing surrounding forests, noting that such operations have significantly curtailed criminal activities in the area.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the state government assured residents that it would continue working closely with security agencies and community leaders to protect lives and property across affected communities.
