Gunmen have attacked a church in Kwara State, abducting several worshippers during a Sunday service in a fresh incident that has raised concerns over security in the region.
The attack occurred at the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) Church in Omugo community, located in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly stormed the premises and opened fire to disperse the congregation.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers shot sporadically, creating panic among worshippers before taking eight persons away.
In the aftermath of the incident, three of the abducted victims managed to escape, while five others remained in captivity.
Reacting to the development, the state government condemned the attack and described the targeting of a place of worship as unacceptable.
The Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, called on security agencies and local vigilante groups to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.
She commended the swift response of security personnel, forest guards, and community vigilantes, noting that their coordinated action led to the rescue of three victims shortly after the incident.
In a statement, the government urged continued collaboration among security forces and local stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the remaining abductees and to curb criminal activities in the area.
Authorities also reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that measures were being strengthened to prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the rescue of three victims through a joint operation involving the police, military personnel, and forest guards.
Police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi described the response as swift and coordinated but noted that five victims were still being held by the attackers.
The latest incident comes months after a similar attack in Eruku, also in Kwara State, where dozens of worshippers were abducted before being rescued by security forces.
The recurring attacks on religious gatherings have heightened fears among residents, with renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
