RismadarVoice Reporters
March 22, 2026
Suspected bandits on Sunday invaded an ECWA Church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting several worshippers during a church service.
The attack, which occurred in the morning, caused panic among congregants and residents as the gunmen stormed the premises and whisked away victims.
A source within the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said at least seven persons were abducted, although full details remain unclear.
Security operatives, however, responded swiftly to the incident. According to the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, three of the abducted victims have been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of others.
“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,” Olukoju said.
She added that the state government has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims, apprehend those responsible.
“The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise. Such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she stated.
Olukoju also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, noting that ongoing forest combing operations have already yielded positive results in curbing criminal activities in the area.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Kwara South following intelligence reports of planned coordinated attacks across Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas.
Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the intelligence, stating that military and paramilitary personnel, supported by air surveillance, have been deployed to prevent further attacks.
Residents have been advised to remain alert and report any suspicious movements to authorities.
