Suspected bandits, on Sunday, invaded an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting several worshippers, while three victims were rescued by security operatives.
The attack, which occurred during a church service, caused panic among congregants and residents of the area.
Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said a coordinated response by security forces, forest guards and local vigilantes led to the rescue of three abducted persons and repelled the attackers.
“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 to repel the attackers,” she said.
Olukoju added that security agencies had been directed to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
“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 the arrest of the perpetrators,” she stated.
The commissioner condemned the attack, describing the targeting of a place of worship as cowardly and unacceptable.
“The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise, and we reaffirm that such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she added.
She also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
“We call on community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to bring an end to this menace and safeguard our communities,” the statement read.
Olukoju further noted that ongoing forest combing operations had recorded significant progress in curbing criminal activities in affected areas.
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